Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• United States sells Venezuelan oil and holds proceeds in Qatar — The United States has sold $500 million worth of Venezuelan oil and is holding the proceeds in a Qatar account rather than in U.S. banks. Trump claims he has the power to manage this money and is attempting to prevent its capture by oil companies with prior claims against Venezuela. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated there is no legal basis for a president to set up an offshore account to control assets seized by the American military.
• Trump administration completed first Venezuelan oil sale valued at $500 million — The Trump administration executed its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at $500 million following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. Trump signed an executive order detailing how the U.S. plans to block courts and creditors from accessing revenue from oil sales. Revenue is being held in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, with the main account located in Qatar and additional funds held in U.S. Treasury accounts. Trump indicated the U.S. would effectively run Venezuela and take control of up to 50 million barrels of oil.
• Trump discusses Venezuelan oil sales — Trump revealed that the U.S. has sold $500 million worth of Venezuelan oil and is keeping the proceeds in Qatar, claiming he has the authority to manage these funds.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• National Nuclear Security Administration furloughs 80% of workforce during government shutdown — The National Nuclear Security Administration announced it will furlough approximately 1,400 employees (80% of its workforce) starting Monday, October 20, 2025, due to exhausted carryover funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Only 375 essential staff will remain to handle critical safety operations including nuclear material monitoring, equipment maintenance, and reactor safety. The shutdown has now become the longest complete government-wide funding lapse in U.S. history, surpassing the 16-day 2013 shutdown. Most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs will be suspended.
• Trump administration assembled interagency task force to purge the "Deep State" — Reuters reported that the Trump administration has assembled a wide-ranging interagency task force to carry out the president's directive to purge the so-called "Deep State." The group includes officials from the FCC, the FBI, the IRS, and other agencies. The task force represents a systematic effort to remove career civil servants and replace them with loyalists.
• Trump administration furloughed vast majority of civilian staff at National Nuclear Security Administration — The Trump administration sent furlough notices to the vast majority of civilian staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which is responsible for helping manage the country's nuclear weapons stockpile. The furloughs raised serious concerns about the continuity and security of nuclear weapons management during a period of heightened international tensions.
• Trump administration furloughed nuclear weapons stockpile management staff — The Trump administration sent furlough notices to the vast majority of staff at the agency responsible for managing the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile. Of approximately 1,775 total staff, 1,400 were furloughed, with only 375 retained for exempted work. The action occurred during the ongoing government shutdown.

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

• 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.

Supporting reports

• ICE raids conducted in Los Angeles — On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of at least 45 individuals without warrants. The raids, which targeted places such as Home Depot stores and a clothing manufacturer, were met with protests from the community and condemnation from California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. The raids are part of a series of high-profile immigration enforcement actions under orders from the Trump administration, drawing criticism for their impact on immigrant communities and families.
• DHS conducts immigration raids in Los Angeles — Masked officials from the Department of Homeland Security conducted immigration raids in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California. The union condemned the raids, calling for an end to such actions that disrupt communities and harm working people.
• Criticism of Federal Immigration Enforcement Tactics — Federal immigration enforcement tactics in Los Angeles, including raids and the use of military-style force, have been criticized by civil rights groups and local officials. The tactics have been described as excessive and harmful to immigrant communities, raising concerns about the impact on civil liberties and community trust.
• Federal Agents Use Force in Los Angeles Raid — Federal agents in military-style tactical gear used flash-bang grenades during a raid on a clothing wholesaler in Los Angeles. The operation was part of a series of raids by ICE in the area, targeting stores, restaurants, and a Home Depot where day laborers gather. The show of force included agents in helmets and camouflage, arriving in armored trucks and unmarked vehicles, and was met by immigrant activists and supporters. The agents carried riot shields and weapons, including less-than-lethal ammunition.
• ICE Raids and Protests in Los Angeles — ICE conducted raids in Los Angeles, targeting stores, restaurants, and a Home Depot where day laborers gather. The raids were met with protests from immigrant activists and supporters. The use of force by federal agents, including flash-bang grenades and military-style tactics, has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and local officials.
• Criticism of Federal Immigration Crackdown in LA — As federal agents prepared for an immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, the operation faced criticism for its aggressive approach. The presence of TV personality Dr. Phil and his camera crew during the raids highlighted the controversial nature of the enforcement actions. Critics argue that the crackdown exacerbates tensions and undermines community trust in law enforcement.
• Federal crackdown on immigration in Los Angeles. — Federal officials launched a new phase of immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, focusing on workplaces in the garment district. This operation involved agents in tactical gear confronting protesters, leading to clashes and arrests.
• Federal Agents Conduct Immigration Raids Without Judicial Warrants — Federal agents carried out immigration raids in Los Angeles without judicial warrants, leading to clashes with protesters. The actions included detaining families in federal buildings and denying them access to legal representation.
• Federal raids on immigrants in Los Angeles — Federal agents conducted immigration raids at workplaces across Los Angeles, targeting undocumented immigrants. These actions have sparked protests in the city, which is home to a large immigrant population. The raids are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to increase deportations, with a new quota demanding 3,000 arrests per day. The presence of multiple federal agencies, including ICE, FBI SWAT teams, and US Marshals, has been noted, with reports of paramilitary tactics being used. The raids have led to fear and decreased activity in immigrant neighborhoods.
• Arrests of 118 immigrants during ICE raids — During recent ICE raids in Los Angeles, 118 immigrants were arrested, with claims from the Department of Homeland Security that many were criminals. However, local advocates have disputed these claims, stating that the arrests were not based on judicial warrants and lacked credible evidence. This incident has sparked outrage within the community and has led to increased protests against the federal government's immigration policies.
• Federal immigration raids across California — Federal immigration authorities, under the Trump administration, have conducted sweeping raids across California, targeting homes, workplaces, and public spaces such as churches and car washes. These actions are part of a broader immigration crackdown, with reports of arrests in various locations, including Los Angeles and its suburbs. The raids have sparked fear and disruption in communities, particularly among Latino populations. California's governor, Gavin Newsom, has criticized the federal actions as illegal and unconstitutional, while local leaders have expressed concern over the impact on community safety and cohesion.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Shuts Down VoA Operations — An executive order signed by Donald Trump in mid-March has effectively shut down Voice of America (VoA) operations, taking them off the air and offline. This order has resulted in approximately 1,300 VoA employees being placed on leave. The order is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency overseeing VoA, which has historically been a pro-democracy voice. A federal judge blocked the order to shutter VoA, but the ruling is currently under government appeal.
• Trump Administration's Executive Order Shuts Down Voice of America — In March, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), effectively shutting down Voice of America (VoA) and placing 1,300 employees on administrative leave. The order also canceled federal grants for sister outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. This move has been criticized as a crackdown on press freedom, with VoA's broadcasts going dark for the first time since World War II. A federal judge temporarily blocked the dismantling, but the situation remains unresolved as legal challenges continue.

Supporting reports

• Trump Administration Fires FEMA Director — The Trump administration has fired FEMA Director Cameron Hamilton, reportedly by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, following his testimony to a House Appropriations subcommittee where he opposed the elimination of FEMA. This action comes just three weeks before the start of hurricane season, raising concerns about FEMA's preparedness and leadership stability during a critical time for disaster response.

Supporting reports

• Peace Corps to Undergo Significant Cuts After Doge Review — The Peace Corps is set to undergo significant restructuring following an assessment by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Elon Musk. Starting April 28, 2025, and continuing through May 6, 2025, the agency is offering a second deferred resignation program, known as "DRP 2.0," to its direct hire and expert staff. This move is part of a broader effort by Doge to cut budgets and lay off workers in federal agencies, particularly those involved in foreign aid and development. The restructuring will not affect the recruitment and placement of volunteers.