Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Stephen Miller exerted influence over Venezuelan drug boat strikes — The Guardian reported on September 29 that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has taken a prominent role in the Trump administration's strikes against suspected Venezuelan drug boats, sometimes exerting more influence than Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio. The reporting indicates a concentration of power over military/law enforcement operations in the hands of a political operative rather than traditional national security channels.
• Stephen Miller directs strikes on Venezuelan boats, taking precedence over Secretary of State Rubio — Hugo Lowell of The Guardian reported on Monday that Stephen Miller has directed the administration's strikes on Venezuelan boats, taking precedence over Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. This represents an unelected White House official exercising control over military and foreign policy operations that should be coordinated through the State Department and National Security Council.

Supporting reports

• Energy Department slashes climate funding and freezes construction projects during shutdown — The U.S. Energy Department is cutting nearly $8 billion in climate-related funding for projects across 16 states and freezing $18 billion allocated for two New York City construction projects. Trump stated he would meet with Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, to determine which agencies aligned with his political priorities should face cuts, describing the shutdown as an "unprecedented opportunity" to eliminate what he called "Democrat Agencies."
• OMB Director Vought impounded $8 billion in climate funding targeting Democratic states — Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced on October 2 that he was canceling $8 billion in congressionally approved funding for programs he claimed "fuel the Left's climate agenda." The targeted states were California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—all states with Democratic senators. Vought stated the impoundments were illegal and used them selectively against Democratic-led states during the government shutdown.
• OMB Director Vought vowed to cut $26 billion from New York City projects — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought vowed to cut $26 billion from projects in New York City that Congress had previously approved. Legal experts note that such impoundments lack lawful basis, as a government shutdown does not grant the OMB director additional authority to unilaterally rescind congressionally appropriated funds. Vought also vowed to slash the federal government broadly without legal justification.
• Vought announced $18 billion hold on New York City infrastructure projects — Russell Vought announced on October 2 that approximately $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects had been placed on hold. He stated the action was to ensure funding was not flowing based on "unconstitutional DEI principles" and specifically cited the Hudson River Tunnel Project (Gateway) and the Second Avenue Subway project. The announcement came during the government shutdown and targeted infrastructure in a state with Democratic senators.
• Maine Family Planning announces primary care closure due to Medicaid defunding — Maine Family Planning announced on October 2, 2025, that it will cease offering primary care at its clinics by October 31, 2025, due to loss of Medicaid reimbursements under Trump's tax and spending bill. The organization will continue offering STI screenings and contraception to all patients regardless of insurance status "for as long as we are able." Approximately 70% of Maine Family Planning patients receive all healthcare from the organization, making the closure a significant access loss.
• White House pauses infrastructure and clean energy funding to Democratic states — OMB Director Russ Vought announced on social media that approximately $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been placed on hold to prevent funding flowing to "unconstitutional DEI principles." Vought also announced cancellation of nearly $8 billion in clean energy funding, characterizing it as fueling "the Left's climate agenda." The actions target Democratic-leaning states during the government shutdown impasse.
• Energy Department terminated 321 awards for 223 projects — Hours after Russ Vought pledged to revoke climate-related funding, the Energy Department announced it had terminated 321 awards for more than 223 projects, claiming the investments did not "advance the nation's energy needs" and were not "economically viable." The agency provided scant details about the cuts.
• Vought announced cancellation of $8 billion in climate funding — OMB Director Russ Vought posted that nearly $8 billion in "Green New Scam" funding was being cancelled to halt the "Left's climate agenda." He listed projects in 16 states, all of which are blue states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
• Vought announced freeze on $18 billion in NYC infrastructure projects — OMB Director Russ Vought announced that roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects, specifically the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway, had been put on hold. Vought claimed the freeze was to ensure funding was not flowing based on "unconstitutional DEI principles."
• Russ Vought froze federal infrastructure funding in blue states — Russ Vought, acting in his federal role, placed a hold on $2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects, specifically the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project, citing concerns about race-based contracting. The action represents a continuation of Vought's pattern of freezing federal funding on infrastructure projects in Democratic-led states.
• Trump administration freezes $2.1bn in Chicago transit funding, citing diversity concerns — OMB Director Russ Vought announced a freeze of $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, including Red Line extensions and modernizations of the city's mass transit system. Vought justified the hold as ensuring "funding is not flowing via race-based contracting," citing a new Transportation Department rule effective Wednesday. The move targets a Democratic-led city during a federal government shutdown and follows a similar $18 billion freeze on New York transit projects announced the previous day.
• Trump administration withholds $2.1 billion in Chicago transit funding citing race-based contracting concerns — Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced that $2.1 billion in federal funding for two transit infrastructure projects in Chicago had been placed on hold, citing concerns about "race-based contracting." The action occurred during the ongoing federal shutdown and was characterized as part of the Trump administration's strategy to retaliate against Democratic-led areas by canceling federal dollars for projects in those jurisdictions.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration declared formal armed conflict with drug cartels — The Trump administration informed congressional committees that the president has declared the U.S. is in a formal "armed conflict" with drug cartels labeled as terrorist organizations. Under this declaration, individuals suspected of smuggling drugs for cartels are classified as "unlawful combatants." The administration cited this justification retroactively for strikes on three boats in the Caribbean in September that killed 17 people. Legal experts, including retired Army JAG lawyer Geoffrey S. Corn, characterized the declaration as an "abuse" that "shreds" established law of war principles, noting that drug trafficking does not constitute armed conflict under international law.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted support for Project 2025 and Vought's agency cuts — Trump posted on social media that he was meeting with OMB Director Russell Vought to determine which "Democrat Agencies" to cut and whether cuts would be temporary or permanent. Trump explicitly tied himself to "PROJECT 2025 Fame," contradicting his pre-election 2024 assurances to voters that he had nothing to do with Project 2025 and knew nothing about it. An NBC News poll from late September 2024 showed only 4% of voters liked Project 2025, and only 9% of MAGA Republicans supported it.
• Trump admitted Project 2025 was blueprint for his administration — Trump posted that he was meeting with Russ Vought, described as "he of PROJECT 2025 Fame," to determine which "Democrat Agencies" to cut and whether cuts would be temporary or permanent. Trump stated he could not believe Democrats gave him this "unprecedented opportunity." This contradicted his July 2024 post denying any connection to Project 2025, which he had called "disinformation" when it was unpopular in polls.
• Trump announced plans to use shutdown to cut federal agencies — Trump posted that Republicans should use the government shutdown as an opportunity to "clear out dead wood, waste, and fraud" and save "Billions of Dollars." He later stated on OAN that he could cut projects permanently and that "a lot of people are saying I wanted this" shutdown, though he claimed he did not. He characterized cuts as removing "Democrat things."

Supporting reports

• Kristi Noem's DHS awarded $200 million ad campaign bypassing competitive bidding — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's agency awarded a more than $200 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign to stem illegal immigration, invoking a "national emergency" at the border to bypass normal competitive bidding designed to prevent waste and corruption. The main recipient was a mysterious Delaware company created days before the deal was finalized. The company running the campaign, Strategy Group, does not appear on public documents but has close ties to Noem and her senior aides, including her chief spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, whose spouse is the Strategy Group's CEO. The arrangement represents the first known example of money flowing from Noem's agency to businesses controlled by her allies and friends.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration demolishes White House East Wing without prior oversight review, then submits ballroom renderings to NCPC — In October 2025, the Trump administration abruptly began demolishing the White House East Wing to clear space for a $400 million ballroom before submitting construction plans to oversight bodies. White House officials claimed demolition did not require commission approval. In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a federal lawsuit challenging the demolition as a violation of law. On 11 February 2026, renderings were submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission ahead of a 5 March hearing. The renderings were briefly posted then removed from the NCPC website without explanation.
• Trump bulldozed White House East Wing without required reviews or approvals — In October 2025, President Trump bulldozed the East Wing of the White House without securing any of the legally required reviews, environmental studies, public input, or congressional approval. The White House subsequently issued a press release dismissing public concerns as manufactured outrage by "unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies."
• Trump fired Commission of Fine Arts members and replaced with loyalists — In October 2025, Trump dismissed all six members of the independent U.S. Commission of Fine Arts responsible for reviewing the ballroom plan and replaced them with handpicked designees who unanimously approved the project in February 2026. This action removed independent oversight of the White House renovation and substituted it with loyalist approval.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons Changpeng Zhao, Binance founder, for money-laundering facilitation — Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, in October 2025. Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to enabling money laundering after Binance failed to report suspicious transactions involving Hamas and al-Qaida. He served nearly four months in prison and paid a $50 million fine before Trump's pardon. In a 60 Minutes interview aired November 2, Trump claimed he did not know who Zhao was and had no recollection of the pardon decision, stating he was told Zhao was a victim of Biden's "war on cryptocurrency."

Supporting reports

• Trump blamed Democrats for shutdown and threatened irreversible cuts — Speaking to reporters on September 30, Trump blamed Democratic lawmakers for the impending government shutdown, but added that his administration "can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them, and irreversible by them. Like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like." The statement indicates an intent to use the shutdown as an opportunity to make permanent cuts to programs favored by Democrats.
• Trump threatens mass federal worker layoffs during shutdown — President Trump stated that if the government shuts down, the administration will conduct mass layoffs of federal workers, adding that "they're going to be Democrats." The threat was made during negotiations over a funding bill and reflects potential use of shutdown conditions to purge federal employees on partisan grounds.
• Trump told reporters administration will use shutdown to cut healthcare and benefits — On Tuesday, after addressing military leaders, Trump told White House reporters that the administration intends to use the government shutdown to cut programs the American people support, including healthcare access and benefits. Trump stated the administration can use the shutdown to make "irreversible" cuts to programs Democrats favor and to "cut large numbers of people out" of benefits. He cited OMB Director Russell Vought's ability to "trim the budget to a level that you couldn't do any other way" and acknowledged the administration is using the shutdown as an opportunity to implement cuts that would otherwise face opposition.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from NYC over mayoral candidate — On September 29, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would withhold federal funds from New York City if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, writing, "He won't be getting any of it, so what's the point of voting for him?" The threat represents an attempt to use federal funding as leverage to influence a local election.

Supporting reports

• Barry Bennett became directly involved in securing U.S. rescue package — Barry Bennett, a former Trump advisor and current principal at Tactic Global (the lobbying firm representing Argentina), "became directly involved" in securing the U.S. rescue package announced by Treasury Secretary Bessent, according to CE Noticias Financieras. Bennett's involvement demonstrates how a registered foreign agent with ties to Trump's political operation directly participated in securing U.S. taxpayer funds for Argentina.
• Rob Citrone's hedge fund positioned to gain substantially from Argentina bailout through prior contact with Treasury Secretary — Billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, founder of Discovery Capital Management, stands to gain immensely from the $20 billion Argentina bailout. Citrone's fund has made Latin America its largest bet globally, with Argentina as its biggest regional investment. According to reporting confirmed by the New York Times, Citrone was in close contact with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the lead-up to the bailout announcement, arguing that preventing Argentina's currency collapse was necessary to protect President Milei's political position. Citrone and Bessent previously worked together under George Soros in 2013. The arrangement raises concerns about private financial interests influencing U.S. foreign policy decisions.
• Trump administration approves $20 billion bailout for Argentina with admitted minimal U.S. benefit — The Trump administration provided a $20 billion rescue package to Argentina, announced in late September 2025. During an October 14 White House meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump admitted the bailout "is not going to make a big difference for our country." Popular Information reporting, confirmed by the New York Times, revealed the bailout would substantially benefit billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal friend of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Citrone was in close contact with Bessent before the announcement, advocating for the bailout to prevent Argentina's currency collapse and protect Milei's political position. The bailout has harmed U.S. soybean farmers, who now face competition from Argentine soybeans sold to China.
• Citrone and Bessent's undisclosed decades-long relationship and financial entanglement — Popular Information reports that hedge fund manager Rob Citrone and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have a personal and professional relationship spanning decades that has not been previously reported in American media. In 2013, while both worked for investor George Soros, Citrone convinced Bessent and Soros to make a large bet on the dollar-yen trade that generated over $1 billion in profits, with Citrone claiming responsibility for 75% of Bessent's bonus. This relationship was not disclosed when Bessent took office as Treasury Secretary.
• Bessent traveled to Argentina and met with Milei following Citrone's intervention — Shortly after securing the IMF agreement, Treasury Secretary Bessent traveled to Argentina to meet with President Javier Milei and other top Argentine officials in what was described as an unusual choice for the Treasury Secretary's first foreign trip. Citrone arrived in Argentina at the same time as Bessent and met with Milei immediately before Bessent did. During these meetings, Bessent emphasized U.S. support for Argentina's economic agenda, directly supporting the policies that benefit Citrone's investments.
• Argentine media reports hedge fund billionaire purchased bonds before Treasury bailout announcement — Argentine media outlets report that hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone purchased additional Argentine bonds approximately two weeks before Treasury Secretary Bessent announced the $20 billion bailout package. Political Economy Editor Ariel Maciel of Argentine outlet Perfil stated the timing of Citrone's purchases raised "suspicions" that Citrone had access to "confidential information" about the impending bailout, allowing him to purchase assets at depressed prices before their value would be restored by U.S. Treasury intervention.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued executive order granting Qatar NATO-level security guarantee — On September 29, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order describing Qatar as "a steadfast ally" and declaring it "the policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack." The order states that the U.S. will regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security. This expansive security guarantee was previously extended only to NATO members. The shift in policy followed Qatar's May 2025 gift of a luxury 747 jet to the U.S. government and a $1.5 billion investment in Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners in 2024.
• Trump signed executive order protecting Qatar — Trump signed an executive order on September 29 vowing to protect Qatar, weeks after Israel's attack on the country targeting Hamas leaders, which he reportedly received prior notice about. The order states that the US "shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the state of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States."
• Trump issues executive order guaranteeing U.S. security commitment to Qatar — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee to the State of Qatar. The order declares that any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be regarded as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the United States to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar and restore stability. The Secretary of War, State, and Director of National Intelligence are directed to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar.
• Trump signed executive order granting Qatar NATO-like security guarantees — On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order granting Qatar security guarantees comparable to those provided by NATO. The order stated that the United States would regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and committed the United States to take "all lawful and appropriate measures—including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar." The order was published as a new document on October 2. The agreement appeared to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House and likely reflected Qatar's demand for guarantees following Israel's recent strike on Doha.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14353 guaranteeing security of Qatar against external attack — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee for Qatar. The order states the U.S. shall regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the U.S. to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar. The order directs the Secretary of War to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar and the Secretary of State to reaffirm the assurance to Qatar and coordinate with allies.

Supporting reports

• YouTube settled lawsuit with Trump for $24.5 million — YouTube agreed on September 29 to a $24.5 million settlement with Trump to end a lawsuit he brought after the platform suspended his account following the January 6 insurrection. As part of the settlement, YouTube will provide $22 million to help fund the construction of the White House State Ballroom, and another $2.5 million will go to a group of Trump's supporters, including the American Conservative Union. The settlement effectively uses a private company's funds to benefit Trump personally and his political allies.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts directive to deploy troops to Portland — On September 27, Trump's social media account posted a directive to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect ICE facilities from what Trump characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The post was based on Trump's assertion that Portland was a "war ravaged" city plagued by "anarchists" and "crazy people," claims contradicted by local officials and reporting.
• Trump directed troop deployment to Portland, Oregon — On September 27, Trump announced via Truth Social that he directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, which he baselessly called "War ravaged" and "under siege" by antifa. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson responded that "the number of necessary troops is zero, in Portland and any other American city." The deployment was presented without evidence of the claimed crisis.
• Trump directed military deployment to Portland with authorization for full force — President Trump posted that he was directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to provide troops to protect the ICE facility in Portland and "any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists," and authorized "Full Force, if necessary." The order came after Trump claimed the facility was under siege, but Senator Ron Wyden posted a video showing the ICE facility with no people present.
• Trump announced deployment of federal troops to Portland — Trump announced on Truth Social that he is directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon at the request of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to protect against what he characterized as attacks by "Antifa" and "domestic terrorists." Trump authorized "full force, if necessary." Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson both rejected the deployment, stating there is no insurrection or threat to national security warranting military presence in the city.

Supporting reports

• Trump demanded Microsoft fire Lisa Monaco — President Trump posted on social media demanding that Microsoft fire its global affairs president, Lisa Monaco, who served as deputy attorney general in the Biden administration and helped coordinate the Department of Justice response to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Trump characterized Monaco as "a menace to U.S. National Security" and referenced Microsoft's government contracts.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces expectation of additional criminal charges against political adversaries — President Trump stated on Friday that he expected more people he considers political enemies to face criminal charges, saying "I think there'll be others" as he departed the White House. Trump characterized his targets as "corrupt radical left Democrats." His remarks came one day after the DOJ indicted Comey and followed Trump's recent calls for his attorney general to pursue investigations against New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff over mortgage fraud allegations.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced farmer bailout funded by tariff revenue without congressional authorization — Trump stated he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers harmed by his trade war with China, claiming "we're gonna take some of that tariff money that we've made, we're gonna give it to our farmers." Legal analysts noted tariff revenue belongs to the U.S. Treasury and requires congressional appropriation. Trump previously enacted farm bailouts in his first term using similar mechanisms. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed discussions of a farmer aid package across the White House and government.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues Executive Order 14352 determining TikTok divestiture plan qualifies under foreign adversary law, suspends enforcement for 120 days — President Trump signed Executive Order 14352 on September 25, 2025, determining that a proposed divestiture framework for TikTok constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Act for 120 days and prohibits penalties for any entity's noncompliance during that period or retroactively to the Act's January 19, 2025 effective date. The framework establishes a U.S.-based joint venture majority-owned by American investors, with ByteDance retaining less than 20 percent ownership, subject to data-protection safeguards and algorithm monitoring by U.S. security partners.
• Trump issues executive order determining TikTok divestiture as "qualified" under foreign adversary law, halting enforcement for 120 days — President Trump issued Executive Order 14351 on September 25, 2025, determining that a proposed joint-venture divestiture of TikTok's U.S. operations constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Act for 120 days and prohibits DOJ from imposing penalties for any noncompliance during that period or retroactively. The new joint venture would be majority-owned by U.S. investors with ByteDance holding less than 20 percent, and would include safeguards on data storage, algorithm control, and monitoring by U.S. security partners.
• President Trump signed Executive Order 14352 establishing a qualified divestiture framework for TikTok operations in the United States. — The White House published Executive Order 14352 on September 25, 2025, directing the Attorney General to suspend enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 120 days to permit completion of a proposed divestiture. The order determines that a framework agreement under which a U.S.-based joint venture (less than 20 percent foreign-owned) would operate TikTok, Lemon8, and CapCut constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Act. The order directs DOJ to issue guidance and letters stating no violations occurred and no liability attaches to conduct during the 120-day period or any prior period since the Act's effective date. It also amends the 2020 Divestment Order to condition relief on a CFIUS agreement with investor parties.
• White House issued fact sheet on Trump executive order regarding TikTok divestiture framework — The White House published a fact sheet on September 25, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that the administration characterizes as "saving TikTok" while addressing national security concerns. The order determines that a proposed divestiture framework—under which TikTok's U.S. operations would be controlled by a new joint-venture company majority-owned by U.S. investors, with ByteDance holding less than 20% and Oracle serving as security provider—constitutes a "qualified divestiture" under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The order directs the Attorney General to delay enforcement of the Act for 120 days to allow the divestiture to proceed. The fact sheet claims the arrangement will generate $178 billion in economic activity over four years.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 on domestic terrorism — President Trump signed National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), directing law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate and disrupt networks, entities, and organizations allegedly responsible for encouraging acts of political violence. The memo directs the IRS commissioner to ensure no tax-exempt groups finance political violence or domestic terrorism, and instructs the IRS chief to refer organizations and their employees to the Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution. Legal experts and free speech organizations warn the order conflates protected speech with political violence and could be weaponized against left-leaning nonprofits.
• Trump issues presidential memorandum targeting "domestic terrorism" with focus on left-wing groups — On Thursday, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum aimed at investigating and dismantling what he characterized as a radical left-wing "terror network." The memo directs the FBI's joint terrorism taskforces, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Treasury to pursue an "all-of-government effort" against left-wing political violence and antifa. Trump suggested billionaires George Soros and Reid Hoffman could be targets. Critics, including the ACLU, argue the memo uses the label of "domestic terrorism" to target non-profits, activists, and protected political speech, with potential for broad crackdown on political opponents.
• Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum ordering prosecution of protest as federal crime — Three days after the antifa designation, Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence," which established a National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate Americans engaged in protest and ordered the attorney general to prosecute protest as a federal crime to the maximum extent permissible by law.
• Trump signs memorandum targeting activists and nonprofits as "terror network" — President Trump signed a memorandum titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" that targets activists and nonprofits as part of what he called a "terror network" allegedly fueling violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The memo alleges that "common threads" include anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity, support for overthrowing the government, and extremism on migration, race, and gender. It grants law enforcement wide latitude to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in behavior the administration opposes, as well as nonprofit organizations that fund them. The memo also orders law enforcement to interrogate people regarding entities organizing actions and their financial sponsorship prior to adjudication or plea agreement.
• White House issues fact sheet on National Security Presidential Memorandum establishing domestic terrorism strategy — The White House issued a fact sheet on September 25, 2025, describing a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) signed by President Trump that directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle organized political violence and domestic terrorism. The memorandum instructs the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to coordinate investigations; directs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to organized political violence and recommend groups for designation as "domestic terrorist organizations"; instructs Treasury to identify and disrupt funding networks; and designates domestic terrorism a "National Priority Area." The fact sheet cites recent incidents including the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk and attacks on ICE officers.
• Presidential Memorandum directs federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute domestic terrorism and organized political violence through coordinated task forces, financial tracking, and organizational designation authority. — National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, signed September 25, 2025, directs the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security and the Attorney General to establish a comprehensive federal strategy countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence. The memorandum instructs the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate individuals and organizations engaged in political violence, radicalization, doxing, and intimidation campaigns; directs the Treasury Department to identify and disrupt financial networks funding such activity; authorizes the Attorney General to designate groups meeting the statutory definition of "domestic terrorism" as domestic terrorist organizations; and mandates law enforcement agencies to interrogate suspects regarding organizational structures and funding sources. The memorandum identifies "anti-fascist" movements as a primary focus and cites recent assassinations, ICE facility attacks, and riots as justification for the expanded investigative authority.
• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum directing domestic terrorism investigations and prosecutions — The White House issued NSPM-7 on September 25, 2025, directing the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in political violence and intimidation. The memorandum directs law enforcement to investigate funding sources, organizational structures, and participants in acts characterized as domestic terrorism, with particular focus on what the document describes as "anti-fascist" movements. It instructs the Attorney General to prosecute federal crimes related to these investigations to the maximum extent permissible by law and authorizes the Treasury to deploy investigative tools to trace funding streams.
• Trump signed memorandum designating antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed a separate presidential memorandum claiming to designate antifa, described as a leaderless and decentralized anti-fascist movement, as a "domestic terrorist organization." Legal experts warned that through this memo and the concurrent nonprofit-targeting memo, Trump is less concerned with curbing political violence and more concerned with stamping out an idea and creating a tool to use against any form of left-wing protest activity.
• Trump signed presidential memorandum targeting left-wing nonprofit organizations — President Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to investigate and target liberal nonprofit organizations that fund the political left, specifically naming Democratic megadonors George Soros and Reid Hoffman. The memo ordered the Department of Justice and Department of Treasury to use anti-terrorism financial tools against unspecified organizations and directed the IRS commissioner to ensure that no tax-exempt entities finance political violence or domestic terrorism. Legal experts observed that the memo largely targets actions protected by the First Amendment by conflating speech and violence, and violates federal guidelines prohibiting law enforcement from investigating Americans based solely on First Amendment-protected activity.

Supporting reports

• OMB directs agencies to plan mass firings during shutdown — The Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to federal agencies directing them to draft plans for mass firings of employees who work on programs that aren't legally required to continue if a government shutdown occurs next week. Typically, federal employees are furloughed during a government shutdown and return once funding is restored by Congress.
• White House directs agencies to prepare mass firings in event of government shutdown — The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prepare large-scale reductions in force (firings) if the government shuts down over a spending dispute, a departure from past shutdowns when workers were furloughed and rehired. The memo targets programs whose funding would lapse and are "not consistent with the president's priorities." Democrats accused Trump of intimidation; OMB head Russ Vought defended the move as necessary preparation. The shutdown threat centers on disagreement over Affordable Care Act subsidies.
• OMB Director Vought threatens mass federal employee firings if Democrats reject Republican continuing resolution — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought leaked a memo to Capitol Hill media outlets stating that if Democrats refuse to pass the Republicans' continuing resolution to fund the government, the administration will attempt to fire large numbers of federal employees rather than furlough them. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer both rejected the threat, with Schumer noting that similar firings earlier in the year had been overturned in court or resulted in rehiring.
• Trump Administration Threatens Mass Firings — On September 25, 2025, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought threatened that if Democrats do not pass the Republicans’ continuing resolution to fund the government, the administration would attempt to fire large numbers of federal employees instead of furloughing them. This threat raises concerns about the administration's approach to governance and the potential impact on federal workforce stability.

Supporting reports

• Trump cancels meetings with Democratic leaders on government shutdown — On Truth Social, Trump announced that he would cancel meetings with Democratic congressional leaders meant to prevent a government shutdown on September 30, saying Democrats "hold American Citizens hostage" instead of legislating, despite Republicans holding power in all three branches of government.
• Trump canceled meeting with Democratic leaders on government funding — President Trump canceled a scheduled Thursday meeting with Democratic congressional leaders to discuss keeping the government open. He posted on social media that Democrats' demands were "unserious and ridiculous" and claimed they wanted over $1 trillion in new spending for healthcare for undocumented immigrants. He also attacked Democrats on immigration and transgender athletes, invoking his 2024 election victory. Politico reported Trump canceled at the urging of House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who feared the meeting would erode Republican leverage in funding negotiations.
• Democrats criticize Trump for avoiding negotiations — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized Trump for avoiding negotiations with Democrats over government funding, stating that Trump and Congressional Republicans control both chambers of Congress and the White House but prefer to shut down the government rather than negotiate.
• Trump cancels meeting with Democratic leaders on government funding — President Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders to discuss government funding, citing "unserious and ridiculous demands" from Democrats. This decision was reportedly influenced by Republican leaders who feared that engaging with Democrats would weaken their negotiating position. The government funding deadline is approaching, and Congress has not yet passed necessary appropriations bills.

Supporting reports

• Executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — The President issued an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a militarist, anarchist enterprise engaged in coordinated violence, armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, and suppression of political speech. It directs all executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial actions against those funding such operations.
• Trump signs executive order designating antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" calling for overthrow of the U.S. government. Trump announced the move via Truth Social the previous week, citing the killing of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk on September 10 as justification, though no evidence links Kirk's suspected assassin to antifa. Legal experts note no statutory framework exists for domestic terrorist designations due to First Amendment concerns, and antifa operates as a decentralized ideology rather than a formal organization.
• Trump designated "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization via executive order — Trump issued an executive order designating "antifa"—short for "antifascists"—as a "MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," characterizing protesters standing against administration policies as attempting to "overthrow the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law." The order claimed they coordinate to riot, assault law enforcement, and dox political figures and activists.
• Trump signed executive order designating Antifa as terrorist organization — On September 22, President Trump signed an executive order designating "Antifa" as "a major terrorist organization." Three days later he called demonstrators in Portland "professional agitators and anarchists." The order came amid ongoing protests at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland.
• Trump issues executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on September 22, 2025, formally designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" that uses violence and terrorism to obstruct federal law enforcement and suppress political activity. It directs all relevant executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial action against those funding such operations.
• White House issues executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization — President Trump signed an executive order on September 22, 2025, designating Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." The order characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" that uses violence and terrorism to obstruct federal law enforcement and suppress political activity. It directs all executive departments and agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal operations conducted by Antifa or persons acting on its behalf, including prosecutorial actions against those who fund such operations.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization — The White House published a fact sheet on September 22, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The order directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle operations and funding sources associated with Antifa. The fact sheet characterizes Antifa as a "militarist, anarchist enterprise" engaged in political violence, armed standoffs, riots, and assaults on law enforcement, and claims a 1000% increase in assaults on ICE officers.
• Trump signs executive order designating "antifa" as domestic terrorist organization — Trump signed an executive order designating "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization, despite "antifa" being a decentralized anti-fascist movement without formal organization, leadership, or membership. The order is legally problematic because the government cannot legally designate domestic groups as terrorist organizations. The order is broadly written, targeting those involved in "armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, violent assaults on ICE and other law enforcement officers, and routine doxing of and other threats against political figures and activists." As written, the order could criminalize anyone protesting or filming ICE officers as a domestic terrorist.
• White House issues release framing Antifa designation as domestic terrorist organization — The White House issued a promotional release on September 22, 2025, asserting that President Trump "designated Antifa — a network of Radical Left terrorists" as a domestic terrorist organization. The release catalogs alleged violent incidents attributed to Antifa and left-wing actors spanning 2017–2025, including attacks on ICE facilities, bombings, riots, and assassinations. The document frames these acts as evidence of an "epidemic of Radical Left violence" and positions the designation as a response to domestic terrorism. No separate executive order or formal instrument text is attached to this release.

Supporting reports

• Trump demands DOJ prosecute Comey, James, and Schiff on Truth Social — On September 20, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi bring charges against former FBI director James Comey, New York attorney general Letitia James, and California senator Adam Schiff. Trump stated "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The post represents direct presidential pressure on the justice department to prosecute political opponents.
• Trump posts demand for prosecution of political opponents on social media — On September 20, Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended privately for Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posting violated the Presidential Records Act, which requires preservation of presidential communications.
• Trump posts message to Bondi demanding Comey indictment — On September 20, 2025, President Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended as a private communication to Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding that the Justice Department indict Comey and others. The message was posted publicly.
• Trump threatened to fire AG Bondi if she did not indict political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social threatening AG Pam Bondi with removal if she did not immediately indict his political opponents, specifically naming former FBI Director James Comey and Rep. Adam Schiff. He stated "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" and demanded action against those he claimed were "guilty as hell." The posts were framed as pressure on Bondi to accelerate prosecutions of Trump's perceived enemies.
• Trump publicly pressures Attorney General to prosecute political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecute his political opponents, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote that "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and demanded "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posts came as the Justice Department was being restructured to remove career prosecutors resisting political pressure.
• Trump Publicly Pressures Attorney General to Prosecute Political Enemies — On September 20, 2025, President Trump accidentally posted a private message intended for Attorney General Pam Bondi on Truth Social, revealing his direct pressure on her to prosecute political opponents, including James Comey and Letitia James. The message, visible to approximately 10.8 million followers before being deleted, expressed frustration over perceived inaction and demanded immediate justice. Following the post, both Comey and James were indicted. This incident highlights the President's use of social media to influence legal proceedings against his adversaries.
• Trump claimed he fired Siebert and pressured Attorney General Bondi for prosecutions — On Saturday morning, Trump posted on social media that Siebert "didn't quit, I fired him." In the evening, Trump posted what appeared to be a direct message to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding prosecution of his political opponents, stating: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Trump explicitly demanded action against James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James.
• Trump calls for DOJ action against political opponents; FCC threatens ABC over Kimmel criticism — Trump posted on social media demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi pursue legal action against Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud allegations, despite a federal prosecutor's resignation after finding insufficient evidence. Simultaneously, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke ABC's broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel criticized the administration's response to Charlie Kirk's death, prompting ABC to pull Kimmel's show indefinitely. Democratic leaders warned these actions constitute a path toward dictatorship.

Supporting reports

• Trump directs Attorney General Bondi to appoint aide to prosecute political rivals — After the Homan investigation report was published, Trump posted on social media directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer, as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. Trump's stated purpose was to enable prosecution of Democratic political rivals Adam Schiff and Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges both deny. This followed the forced removal of interim US attorney Erik Siebert, reportedly for refusing to bring charges against James due to lack of evidence.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened military action against Afghanistan over Bagram Airbase — Trump posted on social media that "If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" When asked if he was ruling out troops on the ground to retake the base, Trump responded "We won't talk about that" but stated the U.S. wants the base back "right away and if they don't, you are going to find out what I'm going to do."
• Trump threatens Venezuela and Afghanistan on Truth Social — Trump posted threats on Truth Social against Venezuela, demanding the country "immediately accept all of the prisoners, and people from mental institutions" that he claimed without evidence were "forced" into the US, threatening "incalculable" consequences if they refuse. He also threatened Afghanistan, stating that if the country does not return Bagram Air Base to US control, "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!"

Supporting reports

• FBI recorded Tom Homan accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents; Trump administration closed investigation — The FBI recorded Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents posing as business contractors on September 20, 2024, allegedly in exchange for promises to secure government contracts in the border security industry. Federal officials under the Biden administration had planned to monitor whether Homan would follow through after his appointment. However, after Trump took office, officials appointed by Trump reviewed and closed the investigation, with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
• Tom Homan investigation into bribery closed by Trump DOJ — The New York Times reported that Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, was recorded in September 2024 accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash during an undercover FBI investigation. The cash was provided by undercover agents posing as businessmen seeking government contracts related to border security. After Trump took office, DOJ officials shut down the investigation. Emil Bove, a former Trump personal attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, expressed skepticism about the case.
• FBI closed investigation into Tom Homan bribery allegations — FBI agents caught Tom Homan, now Trump's "border czar," on video accepting $50,000 in cash from agents posing as business executives after he promised he could help them win government contracts for border enforcement in a second Trump administration. The FBI and Justice Department initially waited to see whether Homan would provide the aid he offered once he joined the new administration. The case stalled when Trump took office, and after FBI director Kash Patel requested a status update, Trump appointees officially closed the investigation. When asked about it, the White House, Justice Department, and FBI dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and baseless.