Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump takes control of Kennedy Center and bans drag shows — Trump took control of the Kennedy Center in February and announced he would stop the performing arts center from hosting drag shows. This action prompted Free DC and allied groups to organize a drag show nearby in response, asserting the right to cultural expression against federal censorship.
• Trump attends Les Misérables at Kennedy Center after seizing control of the institution — President Trump attended a production of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 12, 2025, his first production there since taking control of the institution in February. He had previously pushed out the center's former chair, fired its longtime president, and pledged to overhaul the institution, which he criticized as "too woke." Trump was greeted with mixed cheers and boos. Ticket sales have fallen since his takeover and some performers have cancelled shows. The president's appearance was intended to boost fundraising, with donors reportedly raising over $10 million.
• Trump takes control of Kennedy Center, fires board chair and appoints himself — In February 2025, Trump took control of the Kennedy Center by firing board chair David Rubenstein and appointing himself to preside over the institution. Following the shake-up, ticket sales for the Kennedy Center's three largest performance spaces fell to their lowest levels in years, indicating significant disruption to the cultural institution's operations and public engagement.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court considers reviving nondelegation doctrine — The U.S. Supreme Court is considering reviving the nondelegation doctrine, which could significantly limit federal agencies' power to create regulations. This doctrine argues that Congress cannot delegate its legislative powers to agencies, potentially invalidating many existing regulations. The case in question, FCC v Consumers’ Research, challenges the FCC's authority to impose fees for broadband services. If the court revives the doctrine, it could lead to widespread challenges against various regulatory protections, shifting significant power from Congress to the judiciary.

Supporting reports

• White House issued memorandum directing executive agencies to review and align NGO funding with administration priorities — The White House issued a memorandum on February 6, 2025, directing heads of executive departments and agencies to review all funding provided to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and to align future funding decisions with "the interests of the United States" and "the goals and priorities" of the administration as expressed in executive actions. The memorandum states that the U.S. Government has provided "significant taxpayer dollars" to NGOs "many of which are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people" and asserts it is administration policy to "stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest."

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks federal employee buyout plan — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration and DOGE/Musk from implementing a federal employee buyout plan. Judge George O'Toole Jr. set a hearing to consider further blocking the offer, which unions argue is unlawful and harmful to federal operations. The plan's legality and impact on civil service stability are under scrutiny.
• Trump administration restricts DOGE access to Treasury systems — Following a lawsuit by government employee unions, the Trump administration filed a proposed order to temporarily restrict DOGE officials' access to sensitive Treasury payment systems. The order allows two DOGE employees to read data without further access. This move likely preempted a judicial restraining order, and its acceptance by the judge or plaintiffs remains uncertain.
• Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s buyout deadline for federal employees — A federal judge, George O’Toole, temporarily blocked the Trump administration's deadline for federal employees to decide on a buyout offer. The deadline, initially set for February 6, 2025, was extended to allow time for legal briefs before a hearing. The buyout offer involved severance pay and benefits for those leaving their jobs, with new reforms for those staying. The judge's decision provides time for further legal examination without indicating the final ruling outcome.
• Case update — American Federation of Gov’t Employees, AFL-CIO v. Ezell (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10276 — Judge George O'Toole issued an order to pause the program and extend the deadline until Monday when a hearing is scheduled.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pauses new regulations — The Trump administration, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has paused all forthcoming regulations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including a rule designed to protect consumers from predatory medical debt practices. This pause threatens reforms aimed at preventing medical debt from appearing on credit reports, which could impact millions of Americans. The rule was scheduled to take effect in March, but its future is now uncertain due to the administration's actions. The debt collection industry, which opposes the rule, has lobbied for its delay or rescission.

Supporting reports

• Federal employee unions file lawsuit against Trump administration — Three federal employee unions have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) was granted unprecedented access to sensitive government records. The lawsuit claims that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent violated federal privacy laws by allowing Musk's team full access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's confidential payment systems. The unions argue that this access puts millions of Americans' personal data at risk. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday.
• Case update — Alliance for Retired Americans v. Scott Bessent et al (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00313 — The parties in the suit mutually proposed an order that Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly adopted. It limits access to Treasury Department payment records and systems to two (Musk-affiliated) Special Government Employees in the Department (“read-only” access), other employees who need to access the record to perform their duties, or individuals who are already entitled to access the records under statute.

Supporting reports

• US federal workers ordered to remove pronouns from email signatures — The US State Department, along with other federal agencies, was directed to remove gender pronouns from email signatures by a specific deadline. This directive was part of a broader initiative to eliminate "gender ideology" from government communications and programs, as outlined in an internal email from Tibor P Nagy, the acting under-secretary for management. The directive also included reviewing and revising trainings, forms, and plans related to gender issues. This action follows executive orders signed by Donald Trump aimed at removing DEI language from federal discourse.
• Order to Remove Pronouns from Emails — The Trump administration ordered federal employees to remove all pronouns from their email signatures. This directive is part of a broader effort to erase gender identity from federal communications and research.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration moves to place USAid under State Department control — The Trump administration is reportedly moving to strip the US Agency for International Development (USAid) of its independence and place it under the control of the State Department. This move is part of a broader effort to align foreign aid with Trump's "America First" policies. The administration has already frozen foreign aid while conducting a review, and plaques with USAid's seal have been removed, signaling the merger's progress. The potential executive order to dissolve USAid's independence has raised legal and national interest concerns.
• USAID officials placed on leave — Two top security officials from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave after refusing to grant system access to officials from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to consolidate control over federal agencies and limit their independence.
• USAID officials placed on leave over Musk access dispute — Senior officials at USAID were placed on leave after attempting to prevent Elon Musk's team from accessing the agency's computer systems. Musk's team reportedly threatened to call the police when access was denied. The incident has raised concerns about security and the influence of private interests on government operations.
• Elon Musk locks USAID staff out of building — Elon Musk locked USAID staffers out of their building, with police tape and officers blocking entry. Musk announced the shutdown on X, claiming the agency was beyond repair. USAID's website and computer systems were also inaccessible. Musk stated he had Trump's approval for the action. Congressional Democrats held a press conference denouncing the move, and USAID officials expressed concerns about safety and surveillance.
• USAID placed under State Department supervision — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that USAID would not be shut down but placed under State Department supervision. Rubio stated that USAID must align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy. The decision followed Elon Musk's attempt to shut down USAID, which was met with backlash from Congress and international observers.
• Marco Rubio declares himself head of USAid — On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared himself the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), as staffers were locked out of its Washington DC headquarters. This move is part of an effort to align USAid with President Trump's priorities. The White House confirmed plans to merge USAid into the State Department, aiming to reduce the workforce and align spending with the president's agenda. This action has sparked criticism from Democrats and other opponents who view it as an authoritarian move.
• USAID headquarters closed — USAID's headquarters in Washington was closed, and employees were instructed to stay home via a late-night email. This closure is part of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency and consolidate control over foreign aid.
• Rubio to lead USAID — Senator Marco Rubio announced he will act as the administrator of USAID, despite the agency's historical independence. He also named Pete Marocco, linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection, to run the agency, raising concerns about the agency's future direction.

Supporting reports

• Musk offers federal workers pay to resign — Elon Musk offered all 2 million federal workers eight months' pay if they resign, a move that has been criticized as potentially illegal and disruptive. The offer has raised concerns about the impact on government operations and the potential loss of experienced personnel.
• Treasury Secretary grants Musk access to payment systems — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved access to the Treasury's payments system for Elon Musk's team, following the administrative leave and subsequent retirement of Acting Secretary David Lebryk, who had refused the access. The payments system controls disbursement of over $6 trillion annually, and the decision to grant access to Musk's team has raised concerns about political influence and security.
• Attempt to Access Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team forced the resignation of David A. Lebryk, the highest-ranking career official at the Treasury Department, amid concerns that Musk's associates sought access to the U.S. government's payment systems. This access could allow for politically motivated interference in federal payments.
• Musk's team takes control of Treasury payment system — Elon Musk's team gained control of the Treasury's payment system, which manages approximately $6 trillion annually, allowing them access to sensitive financial information of Americans and businesses. This takeover was facilitated by the Trump administration, which placed two USAID security officials on leave when they attempted to prevent Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing classified information. The implications of this action raise significant concerns about the security and integrity of U.S. government operations.
• Elon Musk gains access to US Treasury payment system — Elon Musk has reportedly gained access to the US Treasury payment system, which is responsible for funding government operations. This access has raised concerns about bypassing traditional government oversight, as Musk is neither a federal employee nor appointed by the President. The situation has been described as a potential coup, with Musk and his team allegedly circumventing Congress and the executive branch. This development has sparked significant public outcry and calls for action to prevent further unauthorized control over government functions.
• Musk's Team Takes Control of U.S. Treasury Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system that allowed free online tax filing. This move raises concerns about the legality and security of government operations.
• Musk's team takes control of U.S. Treasury systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system. This move raises significant concerns about the security and integrity of government operations.
• Musk's DOGE given access to federal payment systems — Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to federal payment systems, allowing them to review government payments for waste. Although their access is described as "read only," this move is highly irregular and raises concerns about data privacy and the influence of private entities on government operations.
• Treasury grants Musk's team access to payment systems — The U.S. Department of the Treasury granted Elon Musk's team "read-only" access to coded data of the government's payment systems, which handle transactions such as social security payments and tax refunds. This access has sparked protests and concerns among Democratic lawmakers and the public about the potential misuse of sensitive financial data. Treasury officials assured that the system remains robust and effective, with no valid payment requests rejected, but the decision has been met with skepticism and fear of data exploitation.
• Elon Musk seizes control of US Treasury — Elon Musk, a private citizen, has reportedly seized control of the US Treasury, leading to significant financial disruptions. This action has resulted in the loss of funds for organizations such as the Haw River Assembly and World Relief, affecting grants and refugee resettlement money. The seizure is part of broader concerns about the potential confirmation of Russell Vought to the Office of Management and Budget, who is expected to support such actions if confirmed.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration releases order to identify civil servants for dismissal — The Trump administration released an order requiring federal agencies to identify civil servants who could be stripped of legal protections against arbitrary dismissal. This order potentially affects a large number of federal employees, undermining the 1978 Civil Service Act's protections. The move is seen as an effort to politicize the federal workforce by allowing dismissals based on political loyalty.
• Trump demands mass resignations of civil servants — President Trump demanded the mass resignation of civil servants, offering eight months' pay for those who resign within a week. This move is part of an effort to reshape the federal workforce to be more loyal to his administration. The Office of Personnel Management sent an email to approximately 2.3 million federal workers, indicating a push to create a "reliable, loyal, trustworthy" workforce, raising concerns about politicization of the civil service.
• Trump issues executive order stripping civil servants of protections — President Trump signed an executive order that strips civil servants of many employment protections, making it easier to dismiss them for political reasons. This order is seen as an attempt to bypass the 1978 Civil Service Act, which ensures that federal workers are hired based on merit and cannot be arbitrarily dismissed. The move has been criticized as an attack on the independence and integrity of the civil service.
• Musk announces "deferred resignation" program for federal employees — Elon Musk, using his access to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), emailed all federal civil employees to announce a "deferred resignation" program. The program offers pay and benefits until September 30, 2025, for employees who choose to resign, with minimal work requirements. The program has been condemned by the American Federation of Government Employees as it could disrupt federal government operations. Musk's influence in Washington stems from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, despite not being a federal employee.
• Agencies can rescind resignation agreements at their discretion — The OPM memo states that agencies can rescind the "deferred resignation" agreement at their sole discretion, without review by the Merit Systems Protection Board or any other forum. While employees can request a rescission of their resignation, the agency is not obligated to agree. This provision gives agencies significant control over the resignation process and limits employees' ability to challenge decisions.
• Federal employees may be required to work despite resignation agreement — The OPM contract for the "deferred resignation" agreement specifies that federal employees who accept the offer must work through February 28. After this date, they may not be expected to work except in "rare circumstances" determined by their agency. The contract does not define these circumstances, leaving the decision to the agency's discretion. This contradicts earlier claims that employees would not have to work during the resignation period.
• OPM contract waives federal employees' legal rights — The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a contract for the "deferred resignation" agreement, which includes a waiver of federal employees' rights to enforce the agreement in court or any other forum. Section 13 of the contract states that employees waive their right to pursue any legal action related to their employment or the resignation offer. This waiver includes claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and prohibits labor unions from filing grievances on behalf of employees.
• Trump administration offers "deferred resignation" to federal employees — The Trump administration, through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), offered a "deferred resignation" deal to federal employees, claiming they could resign effective September 30 and receive full pay without working until then. However, the fine print revealed employees might still be required to work until their resignation date. About 20,000 federal workers accepted the offer. The administration aimed for a 5-10% resignation rate, but the offer was misleadingly reported as a "buyout" without a lump sum payment. The deal's terms were clarified in a new OPM memo and contract.

Supporting reports

• Trump pulled security details from former officials — President Trump has removed the security details of former officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, who had been receiving protection due to credible assassination threats from Iran. This decision raises concerns about the safety of these individuals, given the ongoing threats against them.