Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump Media announces crypto expansion — The Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates Trump's social media platform Truth Social, announced the launch of a financial technology brand called "Truth.Fi". The company plans to invest up to $250 million in cryptocurrencies and "crypto securities", expanding its business into the financial technology sector. This move follows the controversial launch of Trump's meme coin, which has faced backlash from both ethics experts and some of Trump's supporters.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Deregulation Issued — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14192 on January 31, 2025, mandating that for each new federal regulation, at least ten existing regulations must be repealed. This order aims to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth by ensuring that the total incremental cost of new regulations is less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation and providing guidance to federal agencies.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" on January 31, 2025. The order mandates that for every new regulation proposed, at least ten existing regulations must be identified for elimination. This initiative aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and individuals, promoting economic growth and national security. The order also sets a regulatory cap for fiscal year 2025, requiring that the total incremental cost of new regulations be significantly less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these directives.
• White House issued executive order establishing 10-for-1 regulatory offset requirement — The White House published an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" directing federal agencies to identify and eliminate at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation proposed or finalized. For fiscal year 2025, the order requires that the total incremental cost of all new regulations be "significantly less than zero." The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is charged with implementation, guidance, and enforcement. The order revokes OMB Circular A-4 (2023) and reinstates the 2003 version, and reinstates a 2018 Treasury-OMB memorandum on tax regulation review.
• White House issues fact sheet on 10-to-1 deregulation executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 31, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation issued. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to standardize measurement of regulatory costs and requires that for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations be significantly less than zero. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and asserts that Trump's first term achieved a 5.5-to-1 repeal ratio.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deletes DEI mentions from IRS handbook — The Trump administration has ordered the deletion of terms related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from federal documents, including the Internal Revenue Service's procedural handbook. This action is part of a broader effort to eliminate DEI programs across the government. The removal of these terms has led to the erasure of unrelated federal pages that mentioned "inequity" and "inclusion" in contexts not directly related to DEI initiatives. The administration has also set up a tip line for reporting DEI-related activities, which has been misused by internet users.

Supporting reports

• Treasury official resigns over Musk's demands — David Lebryk, a senior Treasury Department official, resigned following Elon Musk's demands for access to sensitive payment systems. Lebryk, a non-political civil servant, had refused Musk's repeated requests for access. His resignation raises concerns about the integrity and independence of federal financial systems.
• Access granted to Treasury Department systems — Reports indicate that Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer with previous ties to Elon Musk's companies, has gained direct access to Treasury Department systems that manage significant government payments. This access allows him to potentially alter critical financial operations, raising concerns about the security and integrity of government payment systems. The implications of such access could affect various federal programs, including veterans' benefits and Social Security.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders review of FEMA — Trump ordered a review of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the disaster response agency, and suggested there is "political bias" in the agency. Trump previously criticized the agency's response to Hurricane Helene. The order states "Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, Fema has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most." A review council – which includes the secretaries of defense and homeland security, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem – will report to Trump within 180 days.
• White House issued memorandum directing FAA and Transportation Secretary to review hiring decisions and safety protocols from prior four years — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 30, 2025, directing the Secretary of Transportation and FAA Administrator to review all hiring decisions and safety protocol changes made during the prior four years and take corrective action including replacement of individuals who do not meet qualification standards. The memorandum attributes a January 29 aircraft-helicopter collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to prior administrations' hiring practices, specifically citing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It orders a return to merit-based recruitment and a systematic assessment of hiring and safety standard deterioration.
• Trump signed executive order on aviation safety — President Trump signed an executive order on aviation safety that rolls back diversity initiatives. This action was taken following a tragic plane crash involving a mid-air collision between a commercial flight and a US military helicopter. Trump claimed, without evidence, that diversity initiatives contributed to the crash. The executive order aims to reverse changes made under the Biden administration regarding air traffic controller hiring standards, which Trump criticized as part of diversity programs.
• Trump fires TSA chief — President Trump fired Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief David Pekoske as part of a broader effort to reshape leadership within federal transportation agencies following the air disaster.
• Trump freezes federal hiring — The Trump administration implemented a freeze on the hiring of all federal employees, including air traffic controllers, despite warnings from the Department of Transportation about staffing shortages at critical air traffic control facilities.
• Trump signs executive order on FAA staffing — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" regarding staffing and diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment" to ensure aviation safety.
• — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" that he claims minimized merit and competence in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment, hiring, and promotion" within the FAA.

Supporting reports

• Ex-senator Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery — Former US Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison by US District Judge Sidney Stein in New York City for his 2024 conviction on bribery charges. Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes, including gold bars, in exchange for political favors for Egypt and New Jersey businessmen. The sentencing follows his conviction on 16 felony charges, including bribery and fraud. Menendez, who served nearly 19 years in the Senate, resigned last August after his conviction. He plans to appeal the sentence.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Educational Freedom — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14191 to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families. The order directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on using federal funds for K-12 educational choice initiatives and prioritizes education freedom in discretionary grant programs. It also involves the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and the Interior in reviewing and recommending mechanisms to support educational choice for low-income, military, and Bureau of Indian Education-connected families.
• Executive Order: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. The task force, chaired by the President and vice-chaired by the Vice President, is tasked with organizing a grand celebration for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order also reinstates previous executive orders related to the National Garden of American Heroes and protecting monuments from vandalism. The task force will coordinate with various federal agencies and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan the celebrations.
• Trump issues executive order on educational freedom — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families" on January 29, 2025. The order directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on using federal funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives. It also mandates reviews by the Secretaries of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and the Interior to explore mechanisms for expanding educational options, including private and faith-based schools, for various groups such as low-income families, military families, and those eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting school choice executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 30, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump on educational freedom and school choice. The fact sheet states the order directs the Department of Education to issue guidance on using federal K-12 funding for scholarship programs, prioritizes school choice in discretionary grants, and directs HHS, Defense, and Interior to submit plans enabling families to redirect federal funds toward private, faith-based, and alternative educational options. The document claims school choice improves academic performance and saves taxpayer dollars.
• White House signed Executive Order 14191 directing federal agencies to support state-based K-12 educational choice programs — The White House issued Executive Order 14191 on January 29, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to issue guidance within 60 days on how states can use federal formula funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives. The order also directs the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and Interior to review discretionary grant programs and submit plans within 90 days for expanding education freedom through private, faith-based, and charter school options for low-income families, military families, and students eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders opening of migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay — President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prepare a detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to house up to 30,000 immigrants deported from the United States. The order directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand the Migrant Operations Center at the naval base to full capacity. This move is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown, which includes other executive orders aimed at reducing immigration and enhancing border security.
• White House issues memorandum directing expansion of migrant detention at Guantanamo Bay — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 29, 2025, directing the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity. The memorandum states the expansion is to provide detention space for "high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States" and to address immigration enforcement needs. The stated purpose is to "halt the border invasion, dismantle criminal cartels, and restore national sovereignty."
• Trump signs executive order on Guantanamo Bay migrant facility — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon and DHS to prepare a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay for up to 30,000 people. This order raises concerns about the treatment and rights of migrants detained in such facilities.
• Trump signed executive order preparing Guantánamo Bay detention facility for migrants — On January 29, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to prepare a massive detention facility at Guantánamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 deported immigrants. Trump stated Guantánamo could "detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people" during the signing of the Laken Riley Act. The order is part of broader efforts to fulfill Trump's promise to remove millions of people from the country.
• Trump announces migrant facility at Gitmo — President Trump announced an executive order to prepare a 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This move aims to double the capacity for detaining migrants and is unprecedented in U.S. history. The decision has raised significant legal and ethical questions about the treatment of migrants and the use of military facilities for immigration enforcement.
• Trump announces plan to detain migrants at Guantánamo Bay — President Donald Trump announced plans to send tens of thousands of undocumented migrants to a new facility at the Guantánamo Bay naval base. This move is part of his "mass deportation" campaign, aiming to house "criminal illegal aliens" in a 30,000-person facility. The announcement has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing it demonizes migrants by associating them with terrorism. The plan involves expanding the existing detention center, notorious for its history of human rights abuses, to accommodate the migrants.
• Trump administration announces executive order for migrant detention center — President Trump announced an executive order to open a 30,000-person-capacity migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay, aimed at detaining what he described as the "worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people." This move is part of his broader immigration policy strategy.
• Trump announces executive order for migrant detention center — President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order to establish a 30,000-person-capacity migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay, aimed at detaining what he described as "the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people." This move is part of his administration's ongoing focus on immigration enforcement.
• Trump orders migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay — Trump signed an executive order to prepare a huge detention facility at Guantánamo Bay that he said could be used to hold up to 30,000 immigrants deported from the US. Trump stated Guantánamo could "detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people" during the signing of the Laken Riley Act. The order is part of a broader effort to fulfill Trump's promise to remove millions of people from the country.
• Plan to deport undocumented people to Guantanamo announced — A plan was announced to deport undocumented individuals to Guantanamo Bay, a location known for its lack of legal oversight and history of inhumane conditions. This proposal has been criticized as an attempt to avoid legal scrutiny and has raised significant human rights concerns. Legal challenges are expected as the plan is seen as a violation of constitutional and international human rights standards.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration offers federal workers resignation deal — On January 27, the Trump administration sent an email titled “Fork in the Road” to federal workers, offering them the option to resign while keeping their pay until September. This move is seen as an attempt to clear positions for loyalists within the federal workforce.
• Trump administration offers buyouts to federal workers — The Trump administration has offered buyouts to nearly all federal employees, encouraging them to resign by February 6, 2025. This move, communicated via an email from the Office of Personnel Management, is part of an effort to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The email outlined new standards for employee conduct and warned of agency downsizing. The offer includes more than seven months' salary for those who choose to resign. Unions and some politicians have criticized the move, arguing it pressures workers to leave and could disrupt federal programs.
• Trump administration offers mass resignation to federal workers — The Trump administration, through the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), sent an email to nearly 3 million federal employees offering them "deferred resignations" effective at the end of September. The email warned that those who choose to stay might face layoffs or reassignment. This move, linked to efforts by Elon Musk to downsize federal agencies, has been criticized for its potential impact on government services and its questionable legality. The offer excludes postal and military service members and those in immigration enforcement and national security roles.
• Trump administration issues "deferred resignation" offer to federal employees — The Trump administration has issued a "deferred resignation" offer to 2 million federal employees, allowing them to resign effective September 30, 2025, while remaining exempt from in-person work requirements until then. This offer is not a "buyout," as it does not guarantee a lump sum payment. Instead, employees may be placed on paid administrative leave, but this is not assured. The offer has been criticized for potentially violating federal law, which caps voluntary resignation incentives at $25,000, and for misleadingly being described as a severance offer by Elon Musk.
• Trump proposes buyout for federal employees — The Trump administration proposed an inducement for federal employees to resign, which was reportedly sent without approval from the White House, leading to confusion and frustration among federal workers.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts federal grants and loans — On January 27, the Trump administration ordered a pause on all federal government grants and loans, requiring that they ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This directive affects a wide range of federal programs and funding.
• Trump freezes federal grants, loans, and payments — President Trump ordered an immediate freeze on federal grants, loans, and payments to millions of Americans, citing a need to review their appropriateness and potential ties to DEI initiatives. This action, which affects funds previously allocated by Congress, has been criticized as illegal under the 1974 Impound Control Act. The freeze has caused widespread confusion and concern, with reports of Medicaid portals being down nationwide and various federal programs in disarray.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding for DEI and environmental programs — The Trump administration announced a freeze on federal grants targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and environmental initiatives, described as "illegal DEI programs" and "green new scam" initiatives. This funding pause, set to activate on the evening of January 28, 2025, could impact trillions of dollars in grants and loans, affecting programs such as school meals for low-income students and wildfire preparedness. The Office of Management and Budget has requested details from federal agencies about over 2,600 programs that could be affected.
• White House rescinds spending freeze on federal loans and grants — The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a policy that temporarily paused federal loans and grants, reversing a decision made earlier in the week. This policy had initially halted funding for various programs, including Medicaid. The rescission followed a federal judge's restraining order against the funding freeze, which was issued due to conflicting messages from the White House. Despite the rescission, the White House press secretary stated that the executive orders on federal funding remain in effect.
• Trump administration memo orders freeze on federal financial assistance — The Trump administration issued a memo directing federal agencies to freeze the disbursement of all federal financial assistance, effective January 30, 2025. The memo, authored by acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth, requires agencies to submit detailed information about their financial assistance programs by February 10, 2025. The freeze will remain until the Office of Management and Budget reviews and approves each program. The memo excludes direct assistance to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare. The stated purpose is to prevent federal resources from advancing certain policies deemed wasteful by the administration.
• Trump administration rescinds federal funding freeze memo — The Trump administration rescinded a memo that froze federal funding after it caused widespread chaos and legal challenges. The initial freeze had paused federal grants and loans, affecting public programs and government spending.
• Case update — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — The Government submitted a Notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Case update — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — The Government submitted a notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Trump administration sued over funding freeze — The Trump administration faced a lawsuit from multiple states over a funding freeze memo. Despite rescinding the memo, the administration argued in court for the lawsuit's dismissal. However, a judge ordered the release of funds, citing conflicting statements from the administration's press secretary, which suggested the freeze was still in effect.
• Reports of Medicaid portal outages following funding freeze — Following the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, reports emerged of Medicaid portal outages across all 50 states. Senator Ron Wyden confirmed the outages, describing them as a "blatant attempt to rip away health insurance from millions of Americans." The White House attributed the outages to technical issues, but the Medicaid website cited delays due to executive orders on grant payments. Medicaid provides health insurance to nearly a fifth of all Americans.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding — The Trump administration announced a freeze on all federal funding and grants, claiming it would ensure the removal of "Marxist" diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision affects various programs, including Meals on Wheels and Medicaid, which are essential for many Americans. The Office of Management and Budget later issued a memo to rescind the freeze, but the press secretary contradicted this, indicating the cuts were still in effect. The situation has led to significant public outcry and legal scrutiny.
• Trump issues executive order freezing government grants — Former President Trump issued an executive order freezing government grants, which was described as illegal and a direct assault on congressional authority. The order was rescinded after two days due to public outrage and pressure from lawmakers. The freeze caused significant disruption and uncertainty for millions of Americans dependent on government benefits and payments. The swift public and political response highlighted the power of civic engagement in countering executive overreach.
• Trump’s administration freezes federal grants — The Office of Management and Budget under Trump sent out a memo freezing all federal grants and loans without prior approval from the White House, leading to concerns about a constitutional crisis.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order against the OMB policy to allow the states to file their motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge McConnell's order notes that the case is not moot because “the alleged rescission of the OMB Directive was in name only and may have been issued simply to defeat the jurisdiction of the courts.” The judge also wrote, "the States are likely to succeed on the merits of some, if not all, their claims."

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order allowing ICE to enter schools and churches — Former President Donald Trump announced an executive order permitting ICE agents to enter school classrooms and churches to search for migrants. This order has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from religious and educational institutions, as it raises concerns about the sanctity and safety of these spaces. The order is part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has faced opposition from various civil rights groups and religious leaders.

Supporting reports

• Eric Adams faces federal indictment for corruption — Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal corruption charges. The indictment alleges that Adams accepted bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. These charges were filed in September, and Adams has pleaded not guilty. The indictment has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the city, especially as he is also running for re-election. The trial is scheduled to begin in April, and Adams has defended his actions, claiming political targeting by the Biden administration.

Supporting reports

• ICE begins immigration raids in Chicago — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal agencies, initiated "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago to enforce immigration laws. This action follows statements by the incoming "border czar" Tom Homan about reconsidering enforcement strategies. The raids aim to increase daily arrests significantly, with ICE field offices directed to meet specific quotas. The operations have caused concern among Chicago's undocumented population, estimated at 400,000, many of whom are staying home to avoid encounters with law enforcement.
• ICE conducts multi-agency immigration raids — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of coordinated raids in multiple U.S. cities, including Chicago, resulting in 956 arrests. These operations involved several law enforcement agencies and targeted individuals with criminal convictions. The raids are part of the Trump administration's broader plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The administration has relaxed guidelines that previously restricted arrests in sensitive locations such as schools and churches. The raids have sparked legal challenges and concerns from local officials and immigrant communities.
• Trump issues executive order allowing ICE to enter schools and churches — Former President Donald Trump announced an executive order permitting ICE agents to enter school classrooms and churches to search for migrants. This order has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly from religious and educational institutions, as it raises concerns about the sanctity and safety of these spaces. The order is part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has faced opposition from various civil rights groups and religious leaders.
• ICE conducts immigration raids in Chicago — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal agencies, conducted "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago, targeting undocumented immigrants. The raids, which began shortly after Donald Trump took office, have caused significant fear among residents, leading to decreased school attendance and increased legal aid efforts. The operations have been criticized for affecting both individuals with and without criminal histories, and for lifting bans on raids in sensitive locations like schools and churches.