Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump Proposes "Federalizing" Elections in 15 States — Former President Trump has proposed "federalizing" elections in 15 states, a move that is considered unconstitutional and illegal. This proposal has sparked concerns about federal overreach and the potential undermining of state-controlled election processes. Advocacy groups are mobilizing to resist this effort and protect state election autonomy.
• FBI sent email to state election administrators inviting them to federal coordination meeting, triggering concerns about federal election interference — The FBI's Election Executive Kellie Hardiman sent a routine-appearing email to state election administrators inviting them to a call to discuss election cycle preparations. Multiple secretaries of state, both Democratic and Republican, interpreted the outreach as threatening given recent federal actions: the FBI's seizure of 2020 election materials in Georgia and Trump's stated desire to "nationalize" elections, a power reserved to states under the Constitution. Election officials reported destroyed trust in federal election authorities and expressed concern that federal officials may be attempting to rig elections themselves. Several officials indicated they may not attend the scheduled February 25 meeting out of fear their information could be weaponized against them.
• Trump announced desire to "nationalize" elections and created standing White House working group to investigate past elections and reform future processes — Trump has stated his intention to "nationalize" elections, a power constitutionally reserved to states. Inside the White House, he established a standing working group that meets regularly to coordinate federal efforts to investigate past elections and reform future election processes. Trump has also called for greater use of voter identification, a ban on mail voting, and prohibition on certain voting equipment types. He has stated he will accept election results only "if the elections are honest" and mused that "we shouldn't even have an election" given typical midterm losses for the sitting president's party.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14385 authorizing DHS to access DOJ criminal history records and share felony conviction data with foreign governments for border security and immigration screening. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14385 on February 6, 2026, directing the Attorney General to provide the Department of Homeland Security maximum access to criminal history record information (CHRI) maintained by the Department of Justice. The order further authorizes DHS to exchange felony conviction records with Visa Waiver Program countries, countries with serious crime agreements with the U.S., and other trusted allies, on a reciprocal basis under bilateral or multilateral agreements with privacy safeguards. The stated purpose is to enhance border security and immigration screening by identifying foreign nationals with criminal histories.
• Trump issues executive order on criminal alien screening and felony record sharing with foreign governments — President Trump issued an executive order on February 6, 2026, directing the Department of Homeland Security to access criminal history records maintained by the Department of Justice for immigration screening purposes, and authorizing DHS to exchange felony conviction records with Visa Waiver Program countries and other trusted allies under bilateral or multilateral agreements with privacy safeguards. The order frames the policy as protecting national security and public safety from criminal actors, including foreign nationals with criminal histories who have entered or remained in the United States in violation of immigration law.
• Executive Order 14385: Criminal History Record Information Sharing with DHS and Foreign Governments — The White House issued Executive Order 14385 on February 6, 2026, directing the Attorney General to provide the Department of Homeland Security with access to criminal history record information (CHRI) maintained by the Department of Justice to the maximum extent permitted by law. The order also authorizes DHS to exchange felony conviction records with Visa Waiver Program countries, countries with serious crime agreements with the U.S., and other trusted allies, on a reciprocal basis under bilateral or multilateral agreements with privacy safeguards.

Supporting reports

• Trump demanded renaming of Penn Station and Dulles Airport as condition for infrastructure funding — Trump told Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) last month that he would release appropriated funds for the $16 billion Gateway tunnel under the Hudson River connecting New York and New Jersey if Schumer agreed to rename Penn Station in New York City and Dulles Airport outside Washington, D.C., after Trump. Schumer refused. Following the refusal, Trump's social media account accused Schumer of "holding up" the project. The Gateway tunnel is a major infrastructure project important to the entire region.
• Democratic representatives rejected Trump's infrastructure naming demand — Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) publicly rejected the Trump administration's demand to rename federal properties in exchange for Gateway project funding. Menendez stated he is "a no on this 'deal'" and expressed confidence that New York and New Jersey will "win in court" with a new lawsuit against the administration aimed at unblocking the funds. Subramanyam characterized the demand as "holding critical infrastructure funding hostage for more vanity projects."
• Trump administration conditioned infrastructure funding on naming federal properties after Trump — The Trump administration asked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to rename Dulles Airport and New York's Penn Station after Trump in exchange for releasing $16 billion in federal funds for the Gateway project, a long-delayed tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York under the Hudson River. The administration halted funding at the start of the government shutdown in fall 2025. Despite the shutdown ending in November and appropriations passing this week, the administration has not released the funds. The Gateway project warned it will halt construction Friday if funding does not flow, forcing thousands of construction workers to be laid off.

Supporting reports

• CBP initiates easement discussions with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for border wall access — CBP began discussions with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in February to obtain easement rights at three parks, including Big Bend Ranch State Park. The agency later informed TPWD in March that the plans had been put on hold, according to records obtained by Inside Climate News.
• CBP notifies Big Bend landowners of border wall construction plans — In late February/early March 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent letters to landowners in the Big Bend region, including Yolanda Alvarado and Raymond Skiles, notifying them that their properties had been identified for border wall construction. Skiles received a detailed 12-page letter outlining plans for a physical barrier across his property in Langtry, Texas. The notifications triggered immediate anxiety and uncertainty among residents, many of whom had received no prior public consultation or opportunity for input.
• CBP updates border wall map to include steel bollard wall through Big Bend parks — Customs and Border Protection updated its online map to show plans for a steel bollard wall through portions of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The same month, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem waived environmental and historic protection laws to accelerate wall construction through CBP's Big Bend sector, a 500-mile stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border in west Texas.
• Trump administration fast-tracks border wall construction through Big Bend National Park and surrounding lands in Texas — The Trump administration is accelerating border wall construction in the Big Bend region of west Texas, including through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. In February 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated its Smart Wall Map to designate a "primary border wall system" within these protected areas. Fisher Sand and Gravel was awarded a $1.2 billion contract to build 70–80 miles of wall. Construction activity has begun: roads are being widened, survey stakes placed, environmental laws waived, and landowners notified. Though CBP quietly changed the national park designation from physical barrier to "detection technology" in early March, construction continues across the region with no formal public statement or congressional approval process.
• DHS waives environmental and historic preservation laws for Big Bend National Park border wall construction — In February 2026, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem waived federal laws related to wildlife protection, historic preservation, and environmental protection to construct a border wall through Big Bend National Park in Texas. The park, larger than Rhode Island, receives only about 1 percent of unauthorized border crossings. The federal government has allotted $1.72 billion for the project, which will include steel walls, hundreds of miles of new roads, and vehicle barriers. Local officials and former park staff have characterized the project as unnecessary and a violation of the agreement under which the park was established.

Supporting reports

• Vance announces halt of Medicaid funds to Minnesota — Vice President JD Vance announced the Trump administration would "temporarily halt" more than a quarter-billion dollars in Medicaid funds to Minnesota, framing it as ensuring the state was a "good steward of the American people's tax money." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz disputed the fraud allegations, noting that Trump-deployed ICE agents were shooting protesters and arresting children, while the DOJ was gutting the U.S. attorney's office.

Supporting reports

• Trump forced into partial retreat on Pretti narrative after video evidence undermines official claims — After widespread public, Democratic, and Republican backlash triggered by viral witness videos contradicting the White House's "domestic terrorist" narrative, Trump distanced himself from efforts by Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to demonize Pretti. The administration shuffled leadership of immigration operations in Minneapolis. The incident marked a rare failure of Trump's "reality distortion field" to override documented evidence, with even conservative media (Rupert Murdoch's New York Post) warning the president that Americans would not accept false narratives contradicting their own eyes.

Supporting reports

• Trump discusses settling $10 billion IRS lawsuit with himself — While traveling to Florida on Air Force One, President Trump responded to a reporter's question about handling his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS by suggesting he could settle the case with himself and direct the settlement funds to charities of his choosing, implying that taking American taxpayer money would enable him to use it for public good as he determines.
• Trump claimed he will settle Mar-a-Lago lawsuit with himself — Trump was asked about his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS for leaked tax returns. Trump stated: "I've virtually won the Mar-a-Lago break-in suit. And you know I have to work out some kind of a settlement. I'm supposed to work out a settlement with myself." Trump claimed he would donate any settlement to charity, but the statement indicates that Trump's DOJ will be settling multiple cases with Trump's lawyers to pay him taxpayer money.

Supporting reports

• Minnesota AG Ellison stated Trump undermined Tom Homan — Minnesota AG Keith Ellison stated on MS NOW: "Trump undermined Tom Homan just as soon as he sends him here, which tells us what? There's chaos in the WH. They don't know what they want. They don't clue as to what their plan or strategy is other than brutal repression."

Supporting reports

• Trump expresses frustration with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's refusal to enforce federal immigration law — President Trump posted on Truth Social expressing frustration that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated the city would not enforce federal immigration laws. Trump characterized Frey's position as "a very serious violation of the Law" and warned he was "PLAYING WITH FIRE." Frey responded by clarifying that local police should focus on public safety, not federal immigration enforcement, citing the case of a working immigrant from Ecuador.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares national emergency over Cuba, imposes tariff system on countries supplying Cuban oil. — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29, 2026, declaring a national emergency with respect to Cuba under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and National Emergencies Act. The order determines that Cuban government policies, practices, and actions—including alignment with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah; hosting foreign military and intelligence facilities; supporting terrorism; and committing human rights violations—constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. The order establishes a tariff system authorizing the imposition of additional ad valorem duties on goods imported from any foreign country that directly or indirectly sells or provides oil to Cuba, with implementation delegated to the Secretaries of Commerce and State.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14380 declaring national emergency and imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba — President Trump signed Executive Order 14380 on January 29, 2026, declaring an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by the Government of Cuba. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and National Emergencies Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to identify foreign countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, and the Secretary of State to recommend additional ad valorem tariffs on goods from those countries. The President retains final authority to impose tariffs. The order becomes effective January 30, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. EST.
• Trump signs executive order declaring national emergency and imposing tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba — President Trump signed an executive order on January 29, 2026, declaring a national emergency and establishing a tariff system targeting countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. The order authorizes the Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce to implement the tariff regime and related measures. The White House fact sheet characterizes Cuba as hosting Russian intelligence facilities, providing safe haven to terrorist groups including Hezbollah and Hamas, and persecuting political opponents. The order states the President may modify it if Cuba or affected countries take steps to address the stated threat.
• Trump issues executive order declaring national emergency and imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba — President Trump signed an executive order on January 29, 2026, declaring a national emergency with respect to Cuba and authorizing the imposition of tariffs on goods from any country that directly or indirectly sells or provides oil to Cuba. The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, citing Cuba's alignment with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, as well as alleged human-rights violations and support for terrorism. The Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of State are delegated authority to identify countries selling oil to Cuba and recommend tariff rates to the President.

Supporting reports

• Trump agrees to reduce federal agents in Minnesota and coordinate with state on immigration enforcement — Following calls with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Trump agreed to review the federal immigration surge in the state. Walz's office stated Trump "agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and working with the state in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals." Mayor Frey reported that Trump agreed "the present situation cannot continue" and that some federal agents would begin leaving the area.
• Trump signals potential withdrawal of ICE agents from Minnesota following governor negotiations — Following negotiations between President Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the White House indicated potential de-escalation of federal immigration enforcement in the state. Walz's office confirmed that Trump "agreed to look into" reducing the number of federal ICE agents in Minnesota. Leavitt described the conversation as "constructive and productive," marking a reversal from the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement posture that had drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers and public opinion.
• Mayor Frey stated Operation Metro Surge must end — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to Trump's post with a statement clarifying his position. Frey stated he expressed to Trump how much Minneapolis has benefited from immigrant communities and made clear his main request is that Operation Metro Surge must end. Frey stated the president agreed "the present situation cannot continue." Frey said some federal agents will begin leaving tomorrow and he will continue pushing for the rest to leave. Frey stated Minneapolis will not participate in unconstitutional arrests or enforce federal immigration law, but will cooperate on real criminal investigations.
• Trump issues executive order preempting state and local permitting for Los Angeles wildfire reconstruction — President Trump issued an executive order on January 27, 2026, directing federal agencies (FEMA and SBA) to preempt state and local permitting requirements that obstruct federally funded wildfire reconstruction in Los Angeles. The order authorizes agencies to replace state/local permitting with federal self-certification by builders, expedite environmental and historic preservation reviews, and audit California's use of prior hazard-mitigation funding. The order frames state and local governments as having failed in disaster response and reconstruction.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on Los Angeles wildfire reconstruction — The White House published a fact sheet on January 27, 2026, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that directs FEMA and the SBA to issue regulations preempting state and local permitting requirements for wildfire reconstruction in Los Angeles. The order directs agencies to expedite federal environmental and historic preservation waivers, orders FEMA to audit California's unspent disaster mitigation funds, and directs development of legislative proposals to override state and local obstruction of recovery. The fact sheet characterizes state and local permitting as "failures" and "obstruction."
• Trump administration reviews Alex Pretti shooting and scales back ICE presence in Minneapolis — Federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis. Following widespread outrage and bipartisan calls for investigation, Trump announced a review of the shooting and agreed to scale back federal immigration enforcement presence in the city. Mayor Jacob Frey reported Trump agreed the current deployment "cannot continue," and federal agents began leaving Minneapolis on Tuesday. A federal judge heard arguments on whether to end the officer surge, with a ruling pending.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced deployment of Tom Homan to Minnesota and alleged welfare fraud scheme — Trump announced he was sending Tom Homan to Minnesota, claiming a massive welfare fraud scheme of more than $20 billion and absurdly suggesting it was responsible for "violent, organized protests." Trump also attacked Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, questioning her legitimacy and spreading lies about her wealth. JD Vance reposted the message, amplifying the lies.
• Trump announced deployment of Tom Homan to Minnesota as special envoy — President Trump posted that he was sending Tom Homan, the former ICE director, to Minnesota to serve as a special envoy who would "report directly" to him. Trump stated Homan was "tough but fair" and would work on the situation in Minneapolis. Trump also announced a "major investigation" into alleged welfare fraud in Minnesota, claiming it was "at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets." This move came after internal reports that Trump was unhappy with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's handling of the shooting incident.
• Trump claimed agreement with Governor Walz to cooperate on immigration enforcement — Trump posted that Governor Tim Walz called him and that they "seemed to be on a similar wavelength." Trump stated he told Walz that Tom Homan would call him and that the administration was looking for "any and all Criminals that they have in their possession." Trump claimed Walz was "happy that Homan was going to MN." However, Governor Walz's statement was significantly different, stating that Trump agreed to ensure Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension could conduct an independent investigation and agreed to "look into" reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and working in a more coordinated fashion.
• Trump posted a conciliatory message to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after days of attacks — After days of escalating rhetoric, lies, and authoritarian posturing against Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz, Trump abruptly shifted tone on Monday, posting that he had a "very respectful" call with Walz and that the two were on a similar wavelength. Trump claimed Walz asked to work together and that he told Walz he would have Tom Homan call him. This reversal came hours after Trump had attacked Minnesota, defamed its leadership, and used Pretti's death as a pretext to threaten the state with more ICE and Border Patrol incursions.
• Governor Tim Walz meets with Tom Homan and reiterates Minnesota priorities — Governor Tim Walz met with Tom Homan and reiterated Minnesota's priorities: impartial investigations into the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, a swift and significant reduction in federal forces in Minnesota, and an end to the campaign of retribution against the state. Walz tasked the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as the primary liaison to Homan to ensure these goals are met. Both agreed on the need for ongoing dialogue.
• Tom Homan assumes operational role in Minnesota immigration enforcement — Tom Homan is taking over operational decisions and media presence for immigration enforcement in Minnesota, replacing Bovino. According to sources, Homan plans to emphasize more targeted enforcement efforts with fewer confrontational tactics than Bovino's roving squads. The move is framed as Trump seeking a "peace-with-honor withdrawal" that does not appear as a loss driven by botched law enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Steve Bannon called for Insurrection Act invocation — MAGA leader and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon told the Wall Street Journal that Trump should invoke the Insurrection Act in response to Minneapolis violence. Bannon characterized immigrant-protection efforts as an "organized, well thought through effort to invade the country" and called for those in the streets to "stand down now," using language directly aligned with Insurrection Act statutory triggers.
• Trump blamed Democratic officials for VA nurse killing in Minnesota — President Trump attributed the death of VA intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, killed Saturday morning in Minnesota during federal enforcement operations, to Democratic officials rather than to federal agent conduct. Administration officials and supporters began framing violent clashes in Minneapolis as resulting from insufficient local cooperation with federal authorities rather than federal agent violence. MAGA figures including Steve Bannon invoked Insurrection Act language and characterized immigrant-protection efforts as an organized invasion.

Supporting reports

• President Trump issues statement defending federal agents and criticizing Minnesota officials — President Trump issued a lengthy statement in response to the shooting, blaming and criticizing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of "inciting Insurrection" with their rhetoric. Trump's statement included a photo of a gun and called for federal ICE agents to "DO THEIR JOB," effectively endorsing the operation that resulted in Pretti's death despite video evidence contradicting official accounts.
• Trump accuses local leaders of inciting insurrection — President Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz of "inciting insurrection" for their calls to end the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis. Trump stated federal agents were present to make the city safer, contradicting local leaders' assertion that agents were instilling fear and behaving violently.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted social media statement defending White House ballroom addition — Trump's social media account posted a 450-word statement defending the addition of a massive ballroom to the White House, which is the subject of a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The statement called the organization "Radical Left," claimed the addition had been approved by the highest levels of the U.S. Military and Secret Service, and asserted that stopping construction would be "devastating to the White House, our Country, and all concerned."
• Trump social media post attacking White House ballroom project critics — Trump posted on social media attacking the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a "radical left group" for suing over his proposed White House ballroom renovation. He claimed the project was a gift to the nation funded by billionaire friends, denied taxpayer involvement despite acknowledging military and Secret Service participation, and asserted that a federal judge's legal concerns were moot because Congress had not stopped the project, which he characterized as implicit permission.
• Trump posts social media statement defending White House ballroom addition — President Trump posted a lengthy statement on social media defending the addition of a ballroom to the White House, criticizing the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its lawsuit against the project. He claimed that the construction had the approval of military and Secret Service officials and warned that halting the project would be detrimental to the country.

Supporting reports

• Attorney General Pam Bondi demands Minnesota surrender voter rolls, social program records, and policy changes — On January 24, 2026, Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz demanding that Minnesota turn over voter rolls for federal inspection, provide records on social programs including Medicaid and food assistance for federal investigation, and end policies preventing local coordination with immigration enforcement. State officials characterized the letter as a "ransom note" and an attempt at coercion and extortion designed to force compliance with federal immigration enforcement priorities.
• Attorney General Bondi tied voter roll access to federal violence in Minnesota — Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz suggesting he could "bring back law and order to Minnesota" if he handed over the state's voter rolls to the Department of Justice. Bondi explicitly tied the administration's violence in the state to its determination to obtain voters' personal data before the 2026 election. Minnesota has voted for the Democratic candidate in the past three presidential elections, but Trump insists he won the state each time.
• Pam Bondi demands Minnesota voter rolls, public assistance data, and sanctuary policy repeal — US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz demanding access to the state's voter rolls, public assistance recipient data, and repeal of sanctuary city policies. The demand was framed as part of immigration enforcement but included no evidence of non-citizen voter fraud in Minnesota. State election officials and legal experts characterized the request as coercive and pretextual, noting it violates state and federal law protecting voter privacy and has no connection to immigration enforcement.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota officials conditioning ICE's withdrawal on the state turning over its voter database to the Trump administration. — Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Minnesota officials stating that ICE would leave the state if Minnesota allowed the Civil Rights Division of DOJ to "access voter rolls to confirm that MN's voter registration practices comply with federal law." The letter framed this as a "common sense request" to "better guarantee free and fair elections and boost confidence in the rule of law." Senator Chris Murphy characterized this as evidence that "the Trump admin is creating this mayhem, particularly in cities in swing states, in order to take control of elections" and stated "They are trying to trade the presence of ICE and the murder and mayhem they are causing for control of Minnesota's elections."
• Attorney General Pam Bondi demands Minnesota enforce immigration law and produce welfare and voter roll data — US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Governor Walz on January 26, 2026, accusing Minnesota officials of refusing to enforce the rule of law and demanding they support ICE operations. Bondi pressed Walz to produce information about the state's welfare programs and voter rolls, citing unsubstantiated federal claims that Democratic lawmakers allowed these systems to be manipulated or subject to welfare fraud. Bondi framed compliance as necessary to "bring back law and order to Minnesota."
• Attorney General Bondi requested voter rolls from Minnesota — Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz on Saturday, shortly after Pretti's killing, suggesting that Walz could "restore the rule of law" in Minnesota by handing over the state's voter rolls. The request was framed as unrelated to voter files but appeared to be connected to Trump's claims that the election was rigged.
• Attorney General Bondi letter linking ICE surge to demands for voter data, welfare records, and sanctuary policy repeal — Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a letter explicitly conditioning the end of Operation Metro Surge on three unrelated demands: access to voter registration records, welfare program data, and repeal of sanctuary policies. Minnesota's lawyers characterize this as an extortion attempt and argue it demonstrates the Trump administration is using armed federal presence to coerce policy changes rather than conduct legitimate immigration enforcement, violating the 10th Amendment and constitutional structure.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration conducts 36th military boat strike in eastern Pacific — The Trump administration announced its 36th military boat strike on Friday, 24 January 2026, targeting a small vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This strike is part of an ongoing campaign the administration claims targets go-fast boats connected to cartels and gangs. The cumulative death toll from all boat strikes under this campaign stands at approximately 117 people. The administration maintains the strikes are legal under a secret Justice Department opinion asserting the US is in an armed conflict with cartels and that laws of war apply.

Supporting reports

• Fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. According to witness accounts, Pretti was shot after rushing to protect a woman who was being pepper-sprayed by Border Patrol agents. Video evidence shows a federal officer retrieving Pretti's firearm while another officer drew his weapon before the fatal shooting occurred.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operation — Federal immigration agents under the Trump administration shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis on January 24 during an enforcement operation. The killing was the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks and intensified public anger over the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force.
• Federal agents shoot and kill VA nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, in Minneapolis. Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, subsequently labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist." VA Secretary Collins blamed the death on state and local officials' "refusal to cooperate with the federal government." The killing followed another shooting of a U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, by an ICE official in Minneapolis earlier that month.
• Border Patrol agents fatally shoot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Border Patrol agents fired at least 10 shots at 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, killing him. Pretti had been recording the agents with his phone after they pepper-sprayed and tackled him to the ground. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller falsely labeled Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and claimed he was holding a gun and attempting to assassinate law enforcement. A Trump-appointed federal judge issued a late-night order directing the administration not to destroy or alter evidence in the case.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, 37-year-old ICU nurse, during immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, on a Minneapolis street during an immigration enforcement operation. Video evidence from ABC News shows Pretti recording federal agents with his phone before being pepper-sprayed, pushed into the street, and shot approximately 10 times in under five seconds. A doctor's affidavit cited by ABC describes multiple gunshot wounds including at least three in Pretti's back. An officer was heard saying "I got the gun" after the shooting. The incident occurred the morning after Minnesota's Friday economic blackout protest. Pretti's family disputes official accounts, describing them as "sickening lies."
• Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal agents, identified as ICE/Border Patrol officers, tackled, pepper-sprayed, and shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, on a Minneapolis street. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, and attempting to help another person who had been pushed down by agents. After agents removed a gun from Pretti's waistband, they shot him multiple times, killing him. Federal agents then blocked state investigators, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, from accessing the scene despite a search warrant.
• Fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse by federal ICE agents during immigration operation — Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse and U.S. citizen, was killed by federal agents on Saturday, January 25, 2026, while apparently filming an immigration enforcement operation. Videos verified by The Guardian contradict portions of the Department of Homeland Security's account of the incident. This marks the third shooting involving federal agents in January 2026 and prompted state and city lawyers to urge the court to halt Operation Metro Surge before additional deaths occur.
• Federal agent fatally shoots civilian Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — A 37-year-old nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by a federal Customs and Border Protection agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Democratic lawmakers, including Ilhan Omar, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris, condemned the shooting as an execution and called for accountability. Republicans, led by President Trump and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, blamed Democratic officials for creating a lawless environment that prevented local police cooperation with federal agents.
• Federal agents fatally shoot 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen and Virginia nurse, at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2026, in the Eat Street area of Minneapolis. The killing occurred in front of witnesses who videotaped the incident. It is the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in less than three weeks, following the January 7 death of Renee Good. Federal agents subsequently deployed chemical irritants to disperse crowds and made arrests at the scene. Governor Tim Walz stated the killing contradicted calls for peace.
• Federal agents fatally shoot 37-year-old US citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement operation — Federal law enforcement officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, a Minneapolis nurse and US citizen with no criminal record and a valid firearm permit, during a protest against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone and attempting to shield a woman being pepper-sprayed; federal officials falsely claimed he was armed with a 9mm handgun and posed a threat to officers. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino contradicted video evidence in their public statements. A Minnesota judge ordered preservation of evidence after state officials alleged DHS was blocking local investigation access.
• Federal agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; nationwide protests erupt — Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse and US citizen employed at Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot dead by federal agents during an encounter in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows Pretti being wrestled to the ground and sprayed with chemical agents before being shot multiple times. The DHS and Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti "approached" officers with a 9mm handgun, contradicting available video footage. Large protests spread across US cities including Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Boston, Providence, Los Angeles, and Washington DC on the following day, with demonstrators calling for ICE abolishment and justice.
• Federal agents kill Minneapolis VA nurse Alex Pretti during ICE enforcement action — Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday during an immigration enforcement operation. Video evidence shows Pretti holding a phone, with an empty raised hand, appearing to defend a legal observer being pushed down by officers. Multiple agents surrounded him on the ground before firing multiple shots at close range. His family disputes the administration's account that he threatened officers with a gun. Police confirmed his only prior law enforcement contact was for traffic tickets and that he was a lawful gun owner.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti, a nurse, during ICE enforcement operation in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti, a healthcare worker, was fatally shot by federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis on or around January 25, 2026. The shooting occurred amid weeks of intensified federal immigration enforcement in the area. Following the killing, federal agents deployed teargas and projectiles against demonstrators and bystanders who gathered at the scene, injuring multiple people including children and community members seeking to help the injured.
• Federal immigration agents fatally shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On January 25, 2026, federal immigration officers shot and killed 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation. Video evidence shows agents removed Pretti's legally carried handgun before shooting him. The incident sparked immediate calls for investigation from former presidents Obama and Clinton, Democratic lawmakers, and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. A federal judge issued an order blocking destruction of evidence. The Trump administration disputed the narrative, with officials claiming Pretti interfered with a lawful arrest, while video evidence contradicted claims he brandished a weapon.
• ICE agents shoot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; White House falsely brands him "domestic terrorist" — Federal border patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. White House officials immediately claimed Pretti was a "would-be assassin" and "domestic terrorist" brandishing a gun. Multiple witness videos emerged showing Pretti held only a phone when agents pushed him to the ground, and that his gun was removed seconds before he was shot in the back while restrained. Facing public and bipartisan backlash, Trump distanced himself from the narrative and shuffled immigration leadership.
• Federal agents shot and killed VA nurse Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis — Federal Border Patrol and ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a nurse without a criminal record, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. Multiple videos contradicted official DHS claims that Pretti intended to conduct a "massacre" or cause "maximum damage." Internal DHS sources told Fox reporter Bill Melugin that the shooting was likely a "bad shoot" involving an accidental discharge after agents heard "gun," and that DHS messaging about the incident was catastrophic for morale and credibility. The incident triggered congressional scrutiny, a government funding crisis, and a political backlash against the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, an ICE nurse, during Minneapolis street encounter — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, an ICE nurse at Minneapolis VA, on a Minneapolis street during a period of civil unrest. Video evidence shows Pretti standing with phone raised, recording, when officers pepper-sprayed and pulled him into the street. A doctor's affidavit describes at least three gunshot wounds in his back, with multiple shots fired in under five seconds. His family disputes the official account. The incident occurred one day after a statewide economic blackout and clergy-led protest involving an estimated 50,000 people.
• Border Patrol shoots and kills Alex Pretti, ICU nurse, during Minnesota immigration enforcement operation — US Border Patrol officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota on January 25, 2026. Video evidence showed Pretti was unarmed at the moment of the shooting, contradicting federal claims that he posed a direct threat. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed Pretti had threatened a "massacre" before being disarmed, but state investigators were blocked from the scene. The incident sparked public outcry and calls for investigation into federal enforcement tactics.
• Federal agents shoot and kill Alex Pretti during Minneapolis protest — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse at Minneapolis VA Health Care System, during a protest in south Minneapolis on Saturday. Video evidence shows Pretti being tackled by multiple agents after appearing to defend a shoved observer; an agent sprayed him with chemical agent before officers fired multiple shots at close range. DHS characterized the shooting as "defensive" and described protesters as "rioters." Pretti had no prior law enforcement contact except traffic tickets and was a lawful gun permit holder.
• Federal agents killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA hospital ICU nurse, in Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Pretti had stopped his car to observe agents chasing a family on foot, shouted, and blew a whistle. About a week prior, five agents had tackled him, breaking a rib, after he intervened in a similar incident. The killing triggered widespread public outcry and shifted the political calculus around federal funding bills in Congress.
• Federal agents killed VA ICE nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — Federal immigration enforcement agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a VA hospital ICE nurse, in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. Pretti was carrying a legally permitted firearm while participating in community-led first-responder activities. Administration officials, including Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and FBI director Kash Patel, claimed the killing was justified and that Pretti posed a threat. However, the Minnesota Department of Corrections launched a website to counter DHS claims, stating that Bovino had misrepresented the target of the operation and that the individual identified had no significant criminal history in Minnesota.
• Minneapolis Police Chief criticized federal enforcement operations — Federal agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, in Minneapolis while he was directing traffic and attempting to assist another individual. Video evidence shows agents using pepper spray on Pretti before tackling him to the ground and shooting him multiple times. Following the incident, federal agents blocked state investigators from accessing the scene, prompting Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to file a lawsuit for a temporary restraining order to prevent the destruction of evidence. A judge granted the order, barring the alteration or destruction of evidence related to the shooting.
• Minnesota National Guard distributed supplies to anti-ICE protesters — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told CBS's Face the Nation that the city had experienced three federal shootings in less than three weeks, contrasting this with the Minneapolis Police Department's recovery of 900 guns and arrest of hundreds of violent offenders in the previous year without shooting anyone. O'Hara stated that the federal operations are unsustainable and are straining the city's police department, which has only 600 officers.
• Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation. — The Minnesota National Guard, wearing neon vests to distinguish themselves from federal agents, distributed doughnuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anti-ICE protesters, signaling their alignment with community opposition to federal immigration enforcement operations.
• ICE and Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On January 25, 2026, Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital in Minneapolis. Video evidence shows Pretti was filming police with his phone when agents initiated contact. He was not holding or brandishing his firearm; agents disarmed him while he was on the ground. After disarmament, agents fired 10 shots total—4 initially (3 to the back) and 6 additional shots while Pretti lay motionless. Pretti was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois with no criminal record, a valid concealed carry permit, and had participated in protests against ICE operations. A nearby physician found agents counting bullet wounds rather than performing CPR. The incident occurred during a broader ICE surge in Minneapolis that has generated widespread controversy and calls for investigation.
• Federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, during ICE Minneapolis operation — Federal ICE and Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minneapolis over the weekend. Initial regime narratives claimed Pretti was a domestic terrorist who approached agents with a firearm and reacted violently. Video evidence contradicted this account, showing Pretti was legally carrying a permitted firearm, not brandishing it, and was attempting to render aid to a woman pepper-sprayed by federal agents. After agents removed his gun and beat him, he was shot at point-blank range with at least 10 shots while helpless on the ground.
• ICE agent fatally shoots Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — On Saturday morning in Minneapolis, federal ICE officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, during a large-scale immigration enforcement crackdown. Video evidence showed Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon, while attempting to assist another person who had been pepper-sprayed. Officers pushed him to the ground, beat him, and shot him multiple times at close range. Pretti was licensed to carry a firearm but there is no indication he was holding or threatening officers with one. The incident represents one of several violent and fatal incidents during the ICE Minneapolis operation.
• DHS report on Alex Pretti shooting released; two CBP agents discharged firearms — On January 26, 2026, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was killed by federal officers during the "Operation Metro Surge" enforcement action in Minneapolis. The shooting prompted a response from major Minnesota corporations, who released a joint letter on January 25 calling for "deescalation" but offering no specific policy demands or explicit condemnation of the killings.
• Federal immigration agents fatally shoot Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti during enforcement operation — The Department of Homeland Security released an initial investigation report to Congress indicating that two Customs and Border Protection officers discharged their firearms at Alex Pretti during a fatal shooting in Minneapolis on January 27. The report states that during an attempted custody operation, Pretti resisted and a struggle ensued, after which a border patrol agent and a CBP officer each fired their service weapons. The report confirms video evidence of Pretti assisting a woman confronted by agents and notes that a firearm was recovered from Pretti's possession.
• ICE agents attack US citizen Maria during immigration enforcement operation in Salem, Oregon — On an unspecified date in January 2026, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at Minneapolis VA Medical Center, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Pretti was filming the agents when he was tackled, disarmed, and fatally shot. Trump administration officials falsely claimed Pretti "brandished" a gun and labeled him a "would-be assassin," but bystander video evidence shows Pretti holding only a phone and having been disarmed before shots were fired. The shooting represents the second fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis that month.
• — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents pulled a US citizen named Maria from her vehicle in Salem, Oregon, after boxing in her car and smashing the window. Agents threw her to the ground and left her without medical care until discovering her US passport. Maria, a homecare worker and SEIU Local 503 member, sustained a concussion and bruised ribs. The incident prompted unions to raise nearly $20,000 for her support and sparked broader labor movement response to ICE enforcement surge.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues Executive Order 14377 preempting state and local permitting for Los Angeles wildfire reconstruction, directing federal agencies to replace local approval processes with self-certification requirements. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14377 on January 23, 2026, directing the Department of Homeland Security (through FEMA) and the Small Business Administration to preempt state and local permitting requirements for wildfire reconstruction in Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon areas. The order mandates agencies promulgate regulations within 90 days replacing local permitting with federal self-certification by builders. It also directs expedited federal environmental and historic-preservation waivers, audits of California's prior disaster-mitigation spending, and legislative proposals enabling federal override of state/local recovery obstruction. The order frames state and local governments as having failed reconstruction obligations.
• Trump signed executive order preempting state and local permitting requirements for wildfire reconstruction in Los Angeles — President Trump signed Executive Order 14377 on January 23, 2026, directing federal agencies to preempt state and local permitting processes that impede use of federal disaster relief funds for rebuilding homes and businesses in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Canyon wildfire areas. The order authorizes FEMA and SBA to replace state/local permitting with federal self-certification requirements, directs expedited environmental and historic preservation waivers, and mandates a federal audit of California's use of prior hazard-mitigation grant funding. The order asserts that state and local governments failed in forest management, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened prosecution of DOJ officials over 2020 election claims — At the Davos speech, Trump stated that "People will soon be prosecuted for what they did" regarding the 2020 presidential election, which he falsely claimed was rigged. He asserted that DOJ officials and others would face prosecution for refusing to help him overturn the election results. The threat was made one day before former special counsel Jack Smith was scheduled to testify publicly about evidence leading to Trump's indictment for efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
• President Trump threatens prosecution of DOJ officials — During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump claimed that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was rigged and threatened to prosecute Department of Justice officials who did not assist him in overturning the election results. This statement came as former special counsel Jack Smith was set to testify about evidence related to Trump's actions following the election. Trump's remarks indicate a continued effort to undermine the legitimacy of the election and discredit those who oppose him.
• Trump threatened Jack Smith and demanded investigation — After Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee, Trump's social media account posted a threatening message calling Smith a "deranged animal" who "shouldn't be allowed to practice Law" and stating that if Smith were a Republican, "his license would be taken away from him, and far worse." Trump demanded that the Attorney General investigate Smith's conduct, including his use of witnesses, and characterized the entire investigation as a "Democrat SCAM."
• Trump calls for prosecution of Jack Smith on Truth Social — On Truth Social, President Trump responded to Jack Smith's congressional testimony by calling for Smith to "be prosecuted for his actions" and arguing that "At a minimum, he committed large scale perjury!"
• Jack Smith testifies he expects Trump administration to indict him — During his public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, former special counsel Jack Smith stated that he believes Trump administration officials will "do everything in their power" to indict him "because they've been ordered to by the president," but added that he "will not be intimidated." Smith also expressed concern about Trump's mass pardons of people who assaulted police officers.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued unconditional pardons to 1,500 January 6 Capitol riot participants — On his first day in office, President Trump granted unconditional pardons to approximately 1,500 people who participated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, including those charged or convicted of assaulting or resisting law enforcement during the riot. This action effectively nullified prosecutions and convictions related to the attack on the Capitol building.
• Trump pardons for Capitol attack; at least five recipients accused of new crimes — At least five people pardoned by Trump on his first day of his second presidency in January 2025 for roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack have since been accused of committing new crimes. Ryan Nichols, a Capitol attacker sentenced to five years and three months in prison before being unconditionally pardoned along with approximately 1,500 others, was arrested on May 10, 2026, in Texas for allegedly brandishing a handgun during a church parking lot confrontation. Other pardoned Capitol attackers, including Christopher Moynihan and Zachary Alam, have also faced criminal charges post-pardon.

Supporting reports

• Trump granted clemency to former Representative George Santos — President Trump commuted the seven-year prison sentence of former U.S. Representative George Santos, who had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. Santos was released after serving three months in prison. Trump stated at the time that Santos "lied like hell" but was "100% for Trump."

Supporting reports

• Bombing of Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro — In early 2026, after months of military buildup in the Caribbean, Trump ordered the bombing of Venezuela and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne in response to Macron's refusal to meet — After French President Macron refused to engage with Trump at the World Economic Forum, Trump responded by threatening a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne. This represents weaponization of trade policy as retaliation for diplomatic non-compliance and signals that economic coercion will be used against allies who refuse engagement.
• Trump threatened 200% tariff on French wines if Macron refuses Board of Peace membership — Trump responded to French President Macron's refusal to join his proposed "Board of Peace" by threatening a 200% tariff on French wines. Trump stated "Nobody wants him. I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and he'll join." The threat was made in response to Macron's concerns that the Board of Peace would undermine UN principles and structure.
• Trump attacked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Chagos Islands deal — Trump posted on Truth Social calling the UK's Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY" and a "National Security" threat. He criticized the UK for planning to transfer Diego Garcia, site of a vital U.S. military base, to Mauritius. The attack came less than 24 hours after Starmer gave a speech defending his calm relationship with Trump, creating significant diplomatic embarrassment for the UK Prime Minister.
• Trump threatened France with tariffs over Macron's snub of Board of Peace initiative — Trump threatened France with tariffs on Champagne after President Macron declined to participate in Trump's Board of Peace initiative. The threat was part of a broader pattern of Trump using tariff threats to coerce allied nations into compliance with his policy preferences, including threats against Denmark over Greenland and against the UK regarding the Chagos Islands.

Supporting reports

• Trump establishes "board of peace" as pay-to-play global club requiring $1 billion membership — Trump created and chairs a "board of peace" presented to the UN Security Council in November 2024 as a Gaza ceasefire mechanism but revealed in January 2026 as a permanent global governance body requiring countries to pay $1 billion in cash for life membership. The charter grants Trump absolute power to select and remove all members, set meeting agendas, and issue unilateral resolutions. The structure displaces UN agencies and principles of self-determination and national sovereignty, replacing multilateral governance with Trump's personal imperial authority.
• Trump launches "board of peace" with gold logo resembling UN emblem at Davos — Donald Trump unveiled a "board of peace" initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, featuring a gold logo that closely mirrors the UN emblem but centers only North America. The board, endorsed by the UN Security Council in November as a Gaza ceasefire broker, has been repositioned as a global conflict-resolution body chaired by Trump himself, requiring $1 billion in cash for permanent membership. Several European countries announced they will not join, citing concerns the initiative could sideline or replace the UN.