Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Social Security Administration freezes Enumeration Beyond Entry program for work-authorized non-citizens — On March 19, the Social Security Administration secretly implemented a freeze on the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program, which had automatically issued Social Security numbers and cards to work-authorized non-citizens and newly naturalized citizens since 2017. An internal SSA memo dated March 24 warned the freeze poses legal risks under the Social Security Act and Administrative Procedure Act, will increase field office traffic by 60,000–75,000 weekly visits, and raises costs from $8 to $55.80 per card. On April 15, House Oversight Committee ranking member Gerald Connolly demanded SSA reverse the policy and launched an investigation.
• Social Security Administration freezes EBE program — The Social Security Administration (SSA) has temporarily frozen the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program, which automatically issues Social Security numbers and cards to non-citizens granted work authorizations and newly naturalized U.S. citizens. This change, revealed in an internal SSA message, was not publicly announced. The freeze could force 60,000 to 75,000 additional people per week to visit SSA field offices, potentially overwhelming the system. The SSA has not provided a rationale for the freeze, and it remains unclear how long it will last.

Supporting reports

• New York City continues payments to indicted developer — The administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams is continuing to pay over $500,000 a month to Weihong Hu, a hotel developer indicted for allegedly bribing a nonprofit CEO. Despite the indictment, Hu's company receives city funds to host a nonprofit program at one of her hotels. Hu is engaged in plea negotiations, potentially implicating Adams and his allies. The payments raise ethical concerns, as Hu could testify against the mayor. The city is working to find an alternative site for the program, but no timeline has been provided.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders dismantling of US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Department of Education, raising concerns about the management of student debt. The department will see a 50% staff reduction but will continue to handle student loans and Pell Grants. This move has sparked uncertainty among borrowers and criticism from education advocates who fear it will lead to mismanagement and reduced access to education funding. The administration claims critical functions will remain, but doubts persist about the department's capacity to manage its responsibilities effectively.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US education secretary, Linda McMahon, to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move is seen as an attempt to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department. The order instructs McMahon to take necessary steps to shut down key functionalities of the department, although major programs like Title I and the federal student loan program are not immediately affected. The action has been criticized by Democrats as unconstitutional and harmful to low-income families relying on federal education funding.
• Trump signed executive order to dismantle Department of Education — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a move that would require congressional approval to be legally enacted. The order proposes significant cuts to educational funding, including the elimination of programs for students with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. The order also targets Pell Grants and federal financial aid for low-income students. The action has been criticized as illegal by various officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who announced plans to challenge the order in court.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of education authority to states and local communities. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, ordering the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order directs the Secretary to ensure effective delivery of services during transition and mandates that any federal education funding recipients terminate programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order frames federal education control as failed policy and proposes returning functions to states.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education — On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good." The order appears to attempt circumventing the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department.
• Trump issues executive order to close Department of Education — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move aims to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close the department. Trump justified the decision by citing the department's increased budget without corresponding improvements in national test scores. The executive order has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue it could jeopardize federal funding for low-income families and negatively impact public education.
• President Trump signed executive order directing closure of Department of Education — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the closure of the Department of Education and the return of educational authority to states and local communities. The order mandates the Secretary of Education to facilitate this transition while ensuring the continued delivery of educational services. The order criticizes federal control over education and aims to empower parents, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes. It also emphasizes compliance with federal law and administration policy, particularly regarding programs labeled as "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on education authority devolution — President Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of permanently closing the Department of Education and returning education authority to the states. The order states the department has spent over $3 trillion "with virtually nothing to show for it." The White House release compiled statements of support from governors, senators, representatives, state education officials, and advocacy organizations, all framing the action as returning control to states and parents.
• White House signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of authority to states and communities. — The White House published a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to states. The fact sheet states the order also directs that programs receiving remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology. The document asserts federal education spending has failed to improve student achievement and cites declining standardized test scores.
• Trump signed executive order dismantling Department of Education — The White House issued Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order states that federal education spending has failed to improve outcomes, citing low reading and math proficiency rates. It directs the Secretary to ensure federal funds comply with Administration policy, including termination of programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order does not establish a timeline or mechanism for closure.
• White House issued release on education policy framing — Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a congressionally-created department, eliminating the federal agency responsible for education policy and student aid.
• — The White House published a release titled "On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better" asserting that the Department of Education has spent $3 trillion since 1979 with no measurable improvement in student achievement. The release cites declining math and reading scores, flat standardized test performance, and U.S. ranking 28th among OECD countries in math. It states the Trump Administration's plan will return education to individual states to expand educational freedom and reduce federal regulation and paperwork.
• — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. This move has been met with significant opposition from teachers' unions and Democratic politicians, who argue that the department plays a crucial role in upholding civil rights protections and providing federal funds to schools. The American Federation of Teachers has indicated plans to challenge the order in court. The order cannot fully eliminate the department, as it was created by Congress and requires congressional action to be dissolved.

Supporting reports

• Social Security Administration planned significant reduction in phone service access — On March 17, Popular Information published an internal Social Security Administration memo revealing plans to significantly limit phone service beginning April 1. The memo indicated the plan would flood already overburdened field offices with millions of additional people, creating "service disruption," "operational strain," and "budget shortfalls." Following extensive national media coverage and protests from advocacy groups, the SSA announced on March 26 that it was scaling back the plan and delaying implementation.
• Proposed Changes to Social Security Administration — An internal memo from the Social Security Administration proposed requiring beneficiaries to visit field offices for identification verification if they cannot access the internet. This change is expected to increase in-person visits significantly, despite current office closures and long wait times. The memo warns of potential service disruptions and challenges for vulnerable populations.
• Social Security Administration memo proposes in-person verification — An internal memo from the Social Security Administration, written by acting deputy commissioner Doris Diaz, proposed requiring beneficiaries to visit field offices for identification verification if they cannot access the internet. This change is expected to increase in-person visits by 14%, despite current office closures and long wait times. Diaz warned of potential service disruptions and challenges for vulnerable populations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cuts federal funding to Columbia University — The Trump administration pulled $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution's failure to curb antisemitism. This action is part of a broader campaign against universities perceived as liberal bastions. The administration has also warned 60 other colleges and universities that they may face similar funding cuts if they do not address allegations of antisemitism on campus. This move is seen as part of a larger effort to suppress dissent and control higher education.
• Trump administration cancels $400m in federal contracts to Columbia University — The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University. This action is part of a pressure campaign demanding the university to discipline students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, reform admissions policies, and place an area studies department under external control. The administration's demands are seen as a test case for academic freedom, with Columbia reportedly considering compliance to avoid further financial losses.

Supporting reports

• IRS faces chaos due to DOGE-related staff cuts — The IRS is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to DOGE-related staff cuts, with thousands of employees fired and taxpayer assistance offices closed. The cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce government spending, but have led to chaos and concerns about the IRS's ability to function effectively during peak tax season.

Supporting reports

• Department of government efficiency to terminate 793 leases — The "department of government efficiency" (Doge), led by Elon Musk, plans to terminate 793 federal leases, aiming to save $500 million. This move is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative, despite public disapproval and potential operational disruptions for agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration. Some agencies have appealed to exempt specific buildings from lease cancellations, indicating potential resistance and logistical challenges.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration closes applications for income-driven repayment plans — The Trump administration has closed applications for all income-driven repayment plans, affecting nearly 43 million Americans with federal student loan debt. This move has left borrowers facing higher monthly payments and uncertainty over relief options. The changes also limit eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives loans for government and select nonprofit workers after 10 years of service. The decision has sparked concern among borrowers who relied on these plans to manage their debt.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14238 on March 14, 2025, directing the reduction of non-statutory components and functions of several federal entities, including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the United States Agency for Global Media. The order mandates these entities to minimize their statutory functions and personnel to the extent required by law. Heads of these entities must report compliance to the Office of Management and Budget within seven days.
• Trump issues executive order to reduce federal bureaucracy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 14, 2025, aimed at reducing the federal bureaucracy by eliminating non-statutory components and functions of several governmental entities. The order targets the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media, and others, mandating a reduction in their statutory functions and personnel to the minimum required by law. Heads of these entities must report compliance to the Office of Management and Budget within seven days, and funding requests inconsistent with the order are to be rejected.
• White House issued executive order directing elimination of seven federal agencies and components — The White House issued an executive order on March 14, 2025, directing the elimination of non-statutory components and functions of seven federal entities: the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and the Minority Business Development Agency. The order requires each entity to reduce to minimum statutory functions within 7 days and directs OMB to reject funding requests inconsistent with the order.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order reducing federal bureaucracy — The White House published a fact sheet on March 14, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order states it eliminates non-statutory functions and reduces statutory functions of seven named entities: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, United States Agency for Global Media, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Institute of Museum and Library Services, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, and Minority Business Development Agency. The fact sheet claims the action will save taxpayer dollars and reduce government waste.

Supporting reports

• Democratic attorneys general file lawsuit against Trump administration's education cuts — A coalition of Democratic attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed a lawsuit in federal court to block significant cuts to the Department of Education made by the Trump administration. The lawsuit, filed by more than 20 states, challenges the legality of the cuts, which resulted in over 1,300 employees being laid off in a single day. The attorneys general argue that these cuts will have devastating effects on states and students, particularly those with special needs and from low-income households. The lawsuit seeks to halt the cuts, claiming they are unconstitutional and illegal.

Supporting reports

• Musk's DOGE savings claims overstated by 92% — The Musk Watch DOGE Tracker has revealed that Elon Musk's claims of saving $105 billion through the U.S. DOGE Service are significantly overstated. The Tracker, which analyzes the purported savings, found that only $8.6 billion of the claimed savings can be verified. The discrepancy arises from Musk's use of inflated figures, such as the "Potential Award Amount" instead of the "Current Award Amount" for canceled contracts. This methodology results in a 92% overstatement of savings. The Tracker aims to provide transparency and accountability regarding these claims.

Supporting reports

• Schumer rejects Republican funding bill — On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Democrats would not support the Republican-drafted stopgap funding bill, increasing the risk of a partial government shutdown. Schumer criticized the bill for being drafted without Democratic input and called for a bipartisan effort to pass a short-term funding extension. The House had passed the bill on Tuesday, but it requires Senate approval to avert a shutdown. Schumer's stance reflects Democratic concerns over the bill's provisions, which include significant cuts to non-defense spending.
• Chuck Schumer to vote for Republican funding bill — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote for a Republican-authored funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. The bill, which funds federal agencies through September, requires Democratic support to pass due to the Senate's 60-vote threshold. Schumer described the decision as a "Hobson's choice," acknowledging the pressure from House Democrats and activists to oppose the bill, which they argue gives excessive spending discretion to Donald Trump. The bill includes a $6 billion increase in military spending while cutting $13 billion from non-defense programs, which Democrats claim harms vulnerable Americans.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $400m funding to Columbia University — The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, citing the institution's failure to protect students from antisemitic harassment on campus. This decision follows the administration's broader efforts to combat antisemitism, which include warnings to other colleges about potential enforcement actions for similar issues. The funding cut is part of a larger strategy to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Supporting reports

• Federal agencies ordered to plan relocation from DC — The Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget have instructed federal agencies to develop plans to relocate their offices from Washington, DC to less expensive areas. These plans are to be submitted to the White House by April 14. The potential relocation of federal agencies could further harm DC's economy, which heavily relies on federal employment.

Supporting reports

• Federal workforce layoffs impact DC economy — Washington, DC has experienced significant economic damage due to federal workforce layoffs, with over 60,000 federal jobs lost in 2025. This reduction in federal employment, which constitutes a quarter of the city's workforce, is expected to cost DC $1 billion over the next three fiscal years. The layoffs are contributing to a decline in local business revenue, housing prices, and tax income, potentially leading to a mild recession.

Supporting reports

• Bill introduced to repeal DC's Home Rule Act — Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Andy Ogles have introduced a bill to repeal the Home Rule Act, which allows Washington, DC to self-govern through a mayor and city council. The repeal would undermine the city's political autonomy, as the federal government still controls aspects of its budget and judicial system. This legislative move is part of broader efforts to weaken DC's governance.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration fires over 1,300 Education Department employees — The Trump administration executed a mass firing of over 1,300 employees from the U.S. Department of Education, reducing its workforce by half. This action is seen as a step towards potentially abolishing the department. The dismissals were communicated via email after work hours. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the reduction was aimed at increasing efficiency, although civil rights enforcement within the department has been severely impacted. The move aligns with Trump's campaign promise to dismantle the department, despite public opposition.
• US Department of Education announces layoffs of 1,300 employees — The US Department of Education announced the layoff of 1,300 employees, nearly half of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the move as a step towards improving the education system. The layoffs follow 572 voluntary resignations and retirements over the past seven weeks. The department will also terminate leases on buildings in several cities. Despite the cuts, the department will continue managing federal aid, student loans, and Pell grants. The layoffs have been criticized by Democratic officials as harmful to public education.
• US Department of Education announces layoffs — The US Department of Education announced plans to lay off nearly half of its workforce, affecting 1,300 employees. This move was described by Education Secretary Linda McMahon as a step towards improving the efficiency of the education system. The layoffs follow voluntary resignations and retirements of 572 employees over the past seven weeks. The decision has faced criticism from Democratic and progressive officials who argue it undermines educational support.
• Trump cuts Department of Education staff — The Trump administration announced plans to cut about half the employees in the Department of Education, following the confirmation of Linda McMahon as the new head of the department.
• — The Trump administration announced it would cut about half the employees in the Department of Education. Linda McMahon, confirmed as the head of the department, stated that this decision was a directive from the president.

Supporting reports

• Robert Ehrlich's attempted takeover of Sea Cliff village government — Robert Ehrlich, founder of Pirate's Booty Snacks, attempted to take control of the Sea Cliff village government in New York by presenting a false statement claiming he was the mayor. On March 10, 2025, Ehrlich entered the town hall, demanded access to office space, and declared the firing of the entire village staff. He cited a New York state law allowing town dissolution or reformulation, claiming to have 1,800 signatures, but refused to show them. The village staff rejected his claims, leading to a confrontation that required police intervention.

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• Federal judge orders Doge to release internal records — A federal judge, Christopher Cooper, has ruled that Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) must comply with transparency laws and release its internal documents. The ruling was made in response to a lawsuit by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew), challenging the Trump administration's attempts to shield Doge from the Freedom of Information Act. The judge's decision highlights Doge's substantial authority and its impact on federal agencies, including the termination of employees and access to sensitive databases.

Supporting reports

• ICE arrests Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil in first wave of pro-Palestinian student targeting — Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, was arrested by ICE in New York on March 8, 2025, in what his legal team characterizes as the first in a series of ICE arrests targeting pro-Palestinian students and scholars. Khalil was detained without due process. The Trump administration is using obscure immigration law to make extraordinary claims that it can summarily detain and deport people for constitutionally protected free speech deemed adverse to U.S. foreign policy.
• ICE arrests Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil — Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent resident in the U.S., was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his university-owned apartment in New York. The arrest was reportedly based on a State Department order to revoke his green card, despite Khalil's status as a permanent resident. This action follows the Trump administration's vow to deport foreign students involved in protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Khalil has been transferred to an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, and his arrest has sparked criticism regarding the administration's approach to free speech and due process.
• ICE detained Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and activist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in New York. The arrest was part of the Trump administration's efforts to revoke his green card and deport him, citing support for terrorism. Khalil's detention has sparked outrage and protests, with free speech organizations condemning it as an attack on his First Amendment rights. A federal judge has blocked his deportation and scheduled a hearing. Khalil's wife, who is eight months pregnant, has spoken out against his detention.
• Mahmoud Khalil arrested by ICE — Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and green card holder, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in New York City. The arrest followed public calls for his deportation by pro-Israel activists and was reportedly based on a state department order to revoke his student visa and green card. The Trump administration cited Khalil's participation in pro-Palestinian protests as grounds for his deportation, claiming his presence could have adverse foreign policy consequences. Khalil's arrest has sparked concerns over free speech and the use of immigration law to suppress dissent.
• Mahmoud Khalil arrested by immigration officials — Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by federal immigration officers on March 8, 2025, in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security accused him of leading activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and is attempting to deport him. Khalil's lawyers are challenging his detention and potential deportation, arguing that agents did not provide an arrest warrant. This arrest has caused fear among international students at Columbia, who feel targeted for their political views and are concerned about their safety and visa status.
• Mahmoud Khalil detained by ICE; Trump administration seeks deportation of Palestinian activist — Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 8, 2025, and remains in ICE custody in Louisiana. The Trump administration is pursuing his deportation under a rarely invoked legal provision allowing the State Department to deport non-citizens deemed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Khalil has not been charged with any crimes; his lawyers contend the detention is unlawful retaliation for his constitutionally protected pro-Palestinian activism. An immigration hearing is scheduled for the week of April 8. His wife, Noor Abdalla, published a letter vowing to continue fighting for his release and defending his right to speak on Palestinian rights.
• Mahmoud Khalil's arrest and detention — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and activist, was arrested by plainclothes agents at his university housing in New York and taken to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. His lawyers filed an updated lawsuit demanding his release, arguing that his arrest was a retaliatory act against his free speech, as he was known for protesting against Israel's military actions in Gaza. The Trump administration has not charged him with any crime but claims he is aligned with Hamas. Khalil's arrest has sparked protests and legal challenges.
• Trump administration seeks deportation of Columbia student activist Mahmoud Khalil under foreign-policy threat provision — Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder and Columbia University student activist who led pro-Palestinian campus rallies, was detained on March 8, 2025, in Louisiana. The Trump administration is pursuing his deportation under a federal immigration law provision allowing the State Department to deport non-citizens deemed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Federal officials claim Khalil led activities "aligned to Hamas" without charging him with any crime. Khalil has accused Columbia University of suppressing student dissent and laying groundwork for his arrest, and called on students to continue protests.
• ICE detains Palestinian green card holder Mahmoud Khalil — ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green card holder and recent Columbia University graduate, in New York and transferred him to a detention facility in Louisiana. The arrest was personally approved by Marco Rubio under a rarely used Cold War authority. Legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutionality of this provision and the targeting of Khalil due to his speech activities.
• Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil detained by ICE — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and former British government employee, was detained by ICE on March 9, 2025, after being accused by the Department of Homeland Security of leading activities aligned with Hamas. The Trump administration is using a provision in immigration law to argue that Khalil's presence poses a risk to U.S. foreign policy. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, has not been charged with any specific crime. His detention has sparked criticism from former colleagues and raised concerns about freedom of speech and political targeting.
• ICE revokes green card of Columbia student following pro-Palestinian protest attendance — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents revoked the green card of Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old Columbia University student, after she attended a sit-in protest on March 9 at Barnard College calling for the reversal of student expulsions related to pro-Palestinian activism. ICE obtained a warrant citing a federal law against "harboring noncitizens" and characterized the protest as a "pro-Hamas protest," accusing Chung of posing a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests despite her minimal involvement in protest organizing.
• Arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil — Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, was arrested by federal immigration authorities over the weekend. The arrest was reportedly based on a State Department order to revoke his green card. President Trump stated that Khalil's arrest was the first of many to come, targeting those involved in pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. universities. Khalil's detention has sparked outrage among free speech organizations and advocates, who view it as a violation of the First Amendment and an abuse of immigration law.
• ICE detains Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil — Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent US resident, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in New York. The arrest, reportedly based on a State Department order to revoke his green card, has sparked outrage among civil rights groups who view it as a retaliatory act against his First Amendment rights. Khalil, who was involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, is now held at a detention facility in Louisiana. A habeas corpus petition has been filed challenging his detention, and protests are planned demanding his release.
• Mahmoud Khalil detained by ICE — On March 10, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and Palestinian activist, at Columbia University. The arrest was reportedly in connection with President Trump's executive order aimed at revoking visas for individuals perceived to sympathize with Hamas. Khalil's lawyer stated that he was not charged with any crime, raising concerns about the legality of the arrest and its implications for First Amendment rights.
• US government attempts to deport Mahmoud Khalil using rare provision — Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate and Palestinian green card holder, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a Saturday night. Khalil, known for his leadership in pro-Palestinian campus protests, is currently held in immigration detention in Louisiana. His arrest has sparked concerns about the criminalization of pro-Palestinian protest and the erosion of free speech and immigrant rights. Khalil's detention has prompted protests by his supporters in New York, who are advocating for his release and highlighting the broader implications for activist movements.
• — The US government is attempting to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent US resident, by invoking a rarely used foreign policy provision. This provision allows for deportation if the Secretary of State believes an individual's presence could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Khalil, who was arrested by federal immigration authorities, is currently detained in Louisiana. His lawyers argue that this action is a violation of his free speech rights. A federal court hearing was held, but no decision was made regarding his release.

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• EPA: spending $50,000 or more must gain Doge approval — The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new guidance requiring that any spending items over $50,000 must receive approval from Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency." This directive centralizes financial oversight within the agency, potentially affecting its operational autonomy and efficiency.

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• Trump administration cancels $400m in funds to Columbia — The Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University. The administration cited the university's alleged repeated failure to protect students from antisemitic harassment as the reason for this action. This move could have significant financial implications for the university and may affect its operations and programs.
• Trump administration cancels $400m funding to Columbia University — The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, citing the institution's failure to protect students from antisemitic harassment on campus. This decision follows the administration's broader efforts to combat antisemitism, which include warnings to other colleges about potential enforcement actions for similar issues. The funding cut is part of a larger strategy to ensure compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

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• FAA faces critical safety function sacrifices — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is experiencing a shortage of air traffic controllers and other critical safety personnel due to early retirements and buyouts. This shortage affects aviation safety technicians, quality-assurance specialists, and engineers, compromising the agency's ability to maintain safety standards. The situation is exacerbated by the departure of top officials in finance, acquisitions, and compliance divisions.

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• Republican spending bill boosts defense, cuts other programs — House Republicans unveiled a spending bill that funds federal agencies through September 30, 2025. The bill increases defense spending while reducing funding for non-defense programs below 2024 levels. This move is expected to lead to a significant confrontation with Democrats over government spending priorities. The bill reflects a strategic focus on defense at the expense of other federal programs.

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• Trump signed executive order to establish US Crypto Reserve — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a US Crypto Reserve, aiming to elevate the cryptocurrency industry in the United States. This move is part of Trump's broader strategy to make the US the "Crypto Capital of the World" and follows his administration's deregulatory approach towards the cryptocurrency sector. The executive order is seen as a significant step in promoting the industry, despite concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight.