Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Billionaire banker receives presidential pardon after hiring Trump's former lawyer — Julio Herrera Velutini, a billionaire banker who faced felony bribery charges, struck a plea deal and sought a presidential pardon. His family hired Alina Habba, one of Trump's former personal lawyers, and guaranteed her compensation of "more than $50 million over four years." Weeks after Habba began her position, President Trump granted Herrera a full and unconditional pardon. The sequence suggests a direct connection between the hiring of Trump's lawyer and the subsequent pardon.

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• Trump attacks Ohio governor DeWine over criticism of Ramaswamy campaign ad — Donald Trump issued a public rebuke of Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine on Truth Social after DeWine called on gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to withdraw an ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. DeWine said the ad was "deeply, deeply troubling" and violated the norm that family members should be "off limits" in campaigns. Trump accused DeWine of disloyalty to the Republican Party and urged Ramaswamy to continue airing the ad, characterizing Acton as a "DISASTER."

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• Trump conditioned ethanol fuel policy on electoral outcome in Kansas — At the Kansas event announcing the farmer assistance program, Trump told the audience that if they reelect Senator Roger Marshall, he will allow year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, a significant benefit for corn growers. He explicitly stated that if Democrat Adam Hamilton wins, "I'm not doing it," directly conditioning a federal regulatory decision on the electoral outcome in that race.

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• Trump border czar states denaturalization and deportation of Omar is possible — Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," stated on Fox News that the federal government could "of course" denaturalize and deport Representative Ilhan Omar if evidence supports it. Homan described denaturalization as a "long, tedious process" that has been used before. His comments were the first explicit remarks by a named top Trump administration official linking denaturalization and deportation to Omar since the October 12 raid on her home.

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• Former President Obama condemns targeting of Omar and warns of broader threat — Former President Barack Obama posted on X condemning the Trump administration's investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar, stating "the full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president." Obama urged all Americans to defend Omar regardless of political affiliation, warning that if this becomes normalized, "there's no reason to believe it will stop with her – or that future presidents, in either party, won't do the same."

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• Trump announces DC golf course renovation despite federal judge's halt order — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on October 18 that renovation work on the historic East Potomac Golf Links would begin November 15, directly contradicting a federal judge's order halting tree removal and requiring notice before substantive construction. Judge Ana Reyes had previously ruled the government must pause work over environmental and historic preservation concerns. The judge responded by ordering the Trump administration to clarify by 8pm Sunday whether its legal position had changed from a Friday filing claiming only "preliminary thought" had been given to the project.

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• Trump administration planned televised execution of Nidal Malik Hasan — The Trump administration announced a plan to stage a public televised execution by firing squad of Nidal Malik Hasan, the 2009 Fort Hood shooter. The proposal drew opposition from all segments of American society except MAGA Republican men. Facing poor polling, Trump cancelled the idea, declaring the execution would not be livestreamed. The episode revealed the premodern and barbaric values of the men now ruling America.

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• Trump waives Russia sanctions legislation passed by Congress — President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last month after bipartisan congressional passage, but issued an executive order on Friday waiving the sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia that were due to take effect on October 18. The legislation targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, and directed Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas. Trump's waiver comes amid his public criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and a separate agreement to purchase Russian diesel.
• Trump waived Russia sanctions days before implementation — President Trump issued an executive order waiving sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (86–11 in the Senate). The action drew immediate criticism from lawmakers of both parties, who characterized it as capitulation to Putin and a betrayal of Ukraine. Trump's stated rationale centered on reducing U.S. gas prices ahead of midterm elections on November 3, citing a diesel import deal with Russia. The move represented an escalation in Trump's alignment with Putin and contradicted congressional intent to pressure Russia economically during its invasion of Ukraine.
• Trump cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia — The Trump administration cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia. This action was part of a broader pattern of pro-Russia policy shifts including urging Europe to purchase more Russian gas, ordering military cutoff of Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine, and discussing joint economic projects with Russia.
• Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had enacted — Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress, led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, had pushed for. The action removed economic penalties previously imposed on Russia, reportedly as part of Trump's broader alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The waiver occurred amid Trump's simultaneous purchase of Russian diesel and his handling of Starlink connectivity over Ukraine during Russian military operations.
• Trump announced waiver of congressionally mandated Russia sanctions — Two days before congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia were set to take effect, Trump announced he would waive them. The sanctions had been enacted by Congress as a binding requirement, but Trump exercised executive authority to suspend their implementation, circumventing the legislative mandate.

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• Federal search of Ilhan Omar's home and seizure of property — Federal agents conducted a search of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar's home and seized property, including her phone, as part of a criminal investigation into her immigration paperwork. Omar's attorneys filed a letter with the Department of Justice contending the search was "neither justified nor lawful" and demanding return of seized items and preservation of search recordings. The investigation was launched weeks before the November 3 midterm election in which Omar is a candidate. A DOJ spokesperson denied the allegations, stating agents complied with all court orders.

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• SpaceX restricted Starlink/Starshield speed limits during Russian attack on Ukraine — Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov reported that SpaceX, without warning, restricted speed limits on Starlink terminals (Starshield) used by Ukraine's military, reducing drone control speeds to 160 kph (100 mph) during a major Russian barrage. Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones, killing at least five Ukrainians and leaving 600,000 without power. The U.S. provided no intelligence warning. Musk initially blamed Trump; the White House blamed Musk. Both Starlink and Starshield systems were affected.

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• Trump administration investigated Representative Ilhan Omar's citizenship paperwork with intent to strip citizenship — Federal agents, acting under Trump administration direction, conducted a search of Representative Ilhan Omar's home on Monday, seizing her cellphone, notebooks, personal computers, and passport. According to Wall Street Journal reporting, the investigation targets citizenship paperwork completed by her father in the 1990s when the family arrived from a refugee camp in Kenya, with the stated goal of finding grounds to strip her of U.S. citizenship and deport her. Omar is running for reelection with Election Day less than a month away. DOJ rules caution prosecutors against actions that could affect elections or create such perception.
• Federal agents search home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar — Federal agents searched the home of Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar on Monday as part of a criminal investigation. More details about the investigation were not immediately clear. Vice President JD Vance has previously accused Omar of committing immigration fraud without offering evidence and stated that he and deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller had been discussing how to investigate the Minnesota congresswoman and "what the legal remedies are" now that they believe "she's committed immigration fraud." Omar's chief of staff Connor McNutt responded that the accusation was "a ridiculous lie and desperate attempt to distract" from the administration's unpopular policies. Omar posted after the raid: "This is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement. For 10 years, Trump has targeted me with baseless lies and smear campaigns. This is just the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation."
• Trump administration and DOJ attack on Representative Ilhan Omar — Representative Ilhan Omar faced what the article describes as a "devastating attack by Trump and the DOJ." The article references this incident as a basis for urging supporters to donate to her campaign and offer support via her office phone line. No specific charges, legal action, or enforcement detail is provided in the text; the nature and timing of the attack are not elaborated.

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• Federal prosecutors seek indictment of Cassidy Hutchinson for perjury — Federal prosecutors are attempting to obtain a grand jury indictment in Washington, D.C., against Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Trump's first-term chief of staff Mark Meadows, for perjury. Hutchinson worked in the White House during the period when Trump was attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and testified before Congress about Trump's behavior during that time.

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• Justice Department pursues case against Representative LaMonica McIver — The administration has an ongoing criminal case against New Jersey Representative LaMonica McIver, accusing her of assaulting immigration agents in a skirmish outside Delaney Hall detention center in which no one was hurt. If convicted, McIver faces up to 17 years in prison. Both Omar and McIver are women of color, and the cases represent attempts by the administration to intimidate Democratic representatives.

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• Trump has pardoned nine of last eleven convicted Republican congressmen — CNN reporter Aaron Blake reported that Trump has pardoned nine of the last eleven Republican congressmen convicted of federal crimes, while his Department of Justice has indicted, attempted to indict, or taken investigative steps against thirteen Democrats currently serving in Congress. The disparity illustrates a pattern of selective law enforcement based on party affiliation.

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• Administration continues running ads despite court order — Despite U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon's order to immediately stop running taxpayer-funded campaign-style advertisements, the Washington Post reported that the administration ignored the order and continued to run the ads on October 12, the day after the ruling.

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• Administration fells over 400 trees on East Potomac Golf Links despite court warning — The administration felled more than 400 trees on the East Potomac Golf Links course that Trump wants to develop into another of his projects on Saturday, October 12. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes had previously warned the administration not to make any irreversible changes to the landscape, though she did not forbid routine maintenance work. The administration claimed the cutting was routine maintenance. Judge Reyes expressed fury at the administration's lawyers, stating she did not know how she could have made it any clearer that she was trying to stop precisely what the administration did. She warned that the government had lost all credibility with her. The administration's lawyer stated they still planned to cut several hundred more trees.
• Judge Reyes holds emergency hearing on Trump administration's defiance of court order at East Potomac Golf Course — US District Judge Ana Reyes convened an emergency hearing on a federal holiday to address the Trump administration's violation of her previous order prohibiting major work at the East Potomac public golf course in Washington, DC. The administration cut down approximately 430 trees on Saturday, October 10, despite the court order requiring notification before any such work. Judge Reyes expressed severe disappointment with DOJ attorneys and Trump administration lawyers, stating the government had lost credibility. She ordered a halt to all further work at the golf course until 2 PM the following day and demanded testimony from National Park Service officials and Interior Department staff about the authorization and timing of the tree removal.

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• Department of Homeland Security conducts predawn raid on Representative Ilhan Omar's home — Agents from the Department of Homeland Security conducted a predawn raid on the Washington, D.C., home of Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) on October 12. The Justice Department claimed the search stems from a criminal fraud investigation into immigration paperwork filled out by Omar's late father in the 1990s when Omar was a child. Legal analysts noted the timing violates longstanding DOJ norms against overt investigative steps in the period before an election that might influence its outcome.

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• Trump administration threatens to suspend intelligence sharing and weapons sales to Ukraine — The Trump administration warned Ukraine and European allies that the US could suspend intelligence sharing and halt European purchases of US weapons for Ukraine if Kyiv does not cease deep strikes on Russian energy facilities. The Financial Times reported that the administration is threatening to halt the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) weapons procurement program and cut intelligence sharing. National security reporter Michael Weiss noted that PURL represents billions of dollars in weapons sales to Europe for Ukrainian defense, and that Trump's threat would cost American defense industry revenue while benefiting only Moscow.

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• Trump announces energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine — Trump posted on Truth Social that an "energy ceasefire" had been agreed between Russia and Ukraine, instructing both parties not to break it. This followed his earlier blame of Ukraine for high fuel prices and his statement that Ukraine needed "a new leader." Zelenskyy had conditionally offered to stop striking Russian refineries if Russia ceased attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but Trump's unilateral announcement of a ceasefire without formal negotiation or Ukrainian confirmation raised questions about executive overreach.

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• Trump announces temporary sanctions lift on Russian diesel imports — President Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin to temporarily lift US sanctions on Russian diesel imports, claiming it would reduce fuel prices that have surged 70% since the US war on Iran. The agreement involves 300,000 tonnes released immediately, 500,000 in November, and 1 million tonnes thereafter. Energy analysts predict minimal impact due to shipping delays and small quantities relative to US daily consumption. The announcement infuriated President Zelenskyy and prompted Trump to blame Ukraine for high fuel prices.

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• Trump petitions Supreme Court to revive racketeering suit and overturn sanctions — President Donald Trump filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to revive a racketeering lawsuit against Marc Elias, Hillary Clinton, and others, and to overturn sanctions imposed by lower courts. The case was originally filed in 2022 as a private citizen between Trump's two terms. A federal judge dismissed it and sanctioned Trump and his lawyers for nearly $1 million. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld both the dismissal and sanctions. Trump's petition argues he deserves extra time to sue because he set the case aside while serving as president and claims the Court must protect the presidency from judges who punish its lawyers.

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• Trump endorsed presidential retreat development at his golf club — Trump endorsed a proposal to develop a Camp David-style presidential retreat at his golf club in West Palm Beach. The proposal involves county-owned land leased to the Trump Organization, with the company offering to finance construction and provide presidential facilities without charging the government for use. Trump stated the facility would serve future presidents.

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• Trump announced oil deal with Putin to supply diesel fuel to the US market — Trump announced via Truth Social that he and Vladimir Putin reached an agreement for Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons thereafter, with an additional 3,000,000 tons to follow. Trump stated the deal would lower diesel prices for Americans, farmers, ranchers, and truckers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy immediately responded, stating the deal provides additional funding for Russia's war effort and accused Trump of using Ukraine peace negotiations as a smokescreen while colluding with Putin.

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• Trump states he could have prosecuted political opponents but chose restraint, then asserts presidential power is absolute — From the Oval Office on October 7, 2026, Trump told reporters he could have taken "very bad things" against Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama but refrained out of respect for the presidency. He then stated "I can do whatever I want, if I want," asserting that despite two impeachments and actions by political opponents, he views the presidency as a "very sacred position" and retains unlimited executive authority.

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• Trump promised $5,000 to all adult citizens if Republicans win midterm elections — Trump posted a campaign promise that "If Republicans win the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 Midterm Elections, I'm going to give all Adult Citizens in the United States of America, $5,000." The promise was made without specification of funding source or mechanism.