Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• House Speaker Mike Johnson declared Republicans will not allow Democrats to take the majority — House Speaker Mike Johnson told attendees at Trump's convention in Dallas on Thursday that "We cannot and will not allow them to take the majority in the Congress. We're not gonna do it." The statement came as Judge Luttig warned of Republican plans to refuse seating elected Democrats after a potential Democratic victory in the 2026 midterm elections.

Supporting reports

• Judge J. Michael Luttig published warning of Republican plan to refuse seating elected Democrats — Conservative judge J. Michael Luttig published an article in The New Republic warning that House Speaker Mike Johnson could remove the House clerk and replace him with a MAGA loyalist who would refuse to list elected Democrats on the roll for the 120th Congress. Luttig outlined how this scenario could paralyze the United States government and create a constitutional crisis, comparing it to Trump's 2021 attempt to overturn the election that was thwarted by Vice President Mike Pence.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces $5,000 "Trump dividend" conditional on Republican congressional control — At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Trump announced a $5,000 "Trump dividend" payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate after the November 3 election. Reuters estimated the cost at approximately $1.2 trillion for roughly 240 million adult citizens. Trump and JD Vance suggested tariff revenue could help fund the plan, but the Congressional Budget Office reported only $167 billion in tariff revenue collected in the current fiscal year, far short of the estimated cost. Congress would need to authorize any such spending.

Supporting reports

• Trump asked supporters to pledge allegiance to him instead of the nation — At the conclusion of his RNC convention speech, Trump asked the crowd to raise their right hands and recite a pledge of allegiance to him personally rather than to the United States. The pledge stated: "I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the US that loves us so much he can't even breathe, that I will go out with my family, my friends, I'll do it any way - I don't care if I'm registered or not, I'm going to try to cheat like hell just like they do."
• Trump told supporters voting is a religious obligation — During his RNC convention speech, Trump told the crowd: "You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell." He framed voting as a religious duty with eternal consequences.

Supporting reports

• Trump campaign promises $5,000 dividend checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win midterm elections — At a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, Trump promised to distribute $5,000 checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win control of Congress, calling it the "Trump Dividend." The payout would cost approximately $1.2–1.3 trillion and would require congressional approval. Trump did not explain funding mechanisms. Multiple Republican lawmakers and observers noted the promise contradicts constitutional authority and echoes unfulfilled prior pledges (DOGE dividend, tariff rebates, stimulus checks).
• Trump suggests renaming geographic features after himself at convention speech — During the Dallas convention speech on September 9, Trump proposed renaming the Hormuz Strait the "Trump Strait," Lake Michigan "Lake America," and New Mexico "New America." He stated "I should get something out of it" regarding the strait naming and joked about personal financial benefit from geographic rebranding.
• VP Vance interviewed on Fox about $5,000 dividend promise — Fox host Bret Baier interviewed VP JD Vance after Trump's convention speech on September 9. When asked how a $1.3 trillion dividend payout would be funded without bankrupting the country, Vance claimed tariffs had generated substantial revenue and that the president was offering to share wealth created by his policies. A Community Note fact-check on X noted that annual tariff revenue (under $300 billion) cannot fund a $1.3 trillion payout and that previous cash dividend promises were never delivered.
• Trump claimed Iran war will end after midterm elections — Trump told reporters that Iran is prolonging the war to influence U.S. midterm elections and that he expects the conflict to end and gas prices to decline once the elections conclude. He stated, "They can't hold out any longer" and characterized Iran as "desperate to try and affect the election." However, Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that Trump's top advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have warned him the Iran war could continue through the remainder of his term. Hegseth has already extended troop deployments in the Middle East and planned additional extensions.
• Trump promised $5,000 checks to all adults if Republicans win midterms — At the "Trumpapaloosa" midterm convention in Dallas, Trump promised that if Republicans win the midterm elections, his administration will distribute $5,000 checks to all adult Americans. Trump branded the proposal the "Trump Dividend" and attributed it to "our tremendous strength and success economically." The plan would cost more than a trillion dollars and would require congressional approval, which Trump did not acknowledge.
• Trump pledges $5,000 payment to voters if Republicans win midterms — At the Republican National Convention in Dallas on September 10, President Trump promised a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult citizen if Republicans win the midterm elections. The pledge is widely understood within Trump's own circle as non-credible; no similar payments have been distributed during his second term despite prior promises. The announcement occurred during a lengthy speech that included incoherent remarks and calls for audience loyalty pledges.
• Trump Dividend: America Is Winning — and Americans Should Win With It — The White House published this release on 2026-09-10 through its releases channel.
• FDA announces priority review voucher fee rate for fiscal year 2027 — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice establishing the fiscal year 2027 fee rate for using priority review vouchers at $1,798,596. This fee applies to applications for tropical disease, rare pediatric disease, or material threat medical countermeasure products submitted with a priority review voucher, in addition to standard Prescription Drug User Fee Act fees. The rate is effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and was calculated based on the difference between average costs of priority and standard drug application reviews in fiscal year 2025, adjusted for cost increases.
• Trump gave cash gifts to executive assistant and staff — Trump gave his executive assistant Natalie Harp and two other young female employees gifts totaling $45,000 in cash last year, approximately one-third of their $150,000 annual salary. He also gave $20,000 to Walt Nauta, his co-defendant in the classified documents case. Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, stated the gifts appear to violate federal law prohibiting federal employees from receiving salary supplements from outside sources. Don Fox, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics under Obama, said the legality was unclear because such payments were not previously envisioned by OGE.
• Trump claimed he may not need congressional approval for $5,000 checks — During a backstage Fox News interview at the RNC convention, Trump was asked about the $5,000 dividend proposal. He responded that "there are a lot of people who think I don't even need congressional approval because we've made so much money," suggesting he might implement the policy unilaterally without legislative authorization.
• Trump claimed oil prices would drop after military conflict — Trump told reporters at the RNC convention that oil prices would drop "very rapidly" once the U.S. wins "the military conflict or war," and that he was "pretty sure" this would happen shortly after the election. The bulletin notes he has made similar claims for seven months while oil prices have continued to rise.
• Ron DeSantis criticized Trump's $5,000 check proposal — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly denounced Trump's proposal to deliver $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans hold their ground in the midterm elections. DeSantis warned that the infusion of cash would stir more inflation and expressed concern about borrowing an additional $1.5 trillion and flooding it into the economy.
• Trump claimed $5,000 checks would be funded by growth — During a press availability at the RNC convention in Dallas on September 11, Trump was asked how he would pay for proposed $5,000 checks to Americans. He responded that the checks would be funded by economic growth, and when asked about deficit impact, he said he was not worried about it. Economic data cited in the bulletin indicates GDP growth is weak.

Supporting reports

• President continues national emergency declaration for terrorist threat — The President issued a notice continuing the national emergency previously declared on September 14, 2001, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing threat of further attacks on the United States. The continuation extends the emergency powers and authorities for an additional year beyond September 14, 2026, consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act. The notice was transmitted to Congress as required by law.

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary Burgum begins construction of Trump triumphal arch without congressional approval — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the administration is beginning construction of a 250-foot triumphal arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, despite lacking required approvals. The structure falls within Area I, designated by Congress in the 1986 Commemorative Works Act, which requires congressional authorization for any commemorative work in that zone. Congress has not passed such authorization. In June, Senator Angus King and five Democratic lawmakers wrote to Burgum opposing the arch, citing multiple legal violations.

Supporting reports

• Trump privately discussed declaring Iran war over — According to Wall Street Journal national security reporter Alex Ward, Trump is privately having discussions with senior aides about whether to declare the Iran war over. Trump has indicated he favors the idea and believes economic pressure will force the Iranian regime to dismantle its nuclear program or collapse.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers escalating Iran conflict after midterm elections — Trump's top aides are attempting to keep events in Iran quiet before the midterm elections to avoid further angering voters, but are already considering ramping up attacks after the election is over. The strategy reflects concern that an active conflict could harm Republican electoral prospects in November.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announces plan to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule — The Trump administration announced plans to rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects approximately 45 million acres of national forest from road construction, drilling, and logging. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, a former timber industry lobbyist and executive, championed the rollback as necessary for wildfire management and "active forest management." Environmental advocates warn the change could endanger 400 threatened and endangered species and primarily benefits timber companies Schultz previously represented.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz — Trump announced via social media that the U.S. was conducting strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. He threatened that if Iran retaliates, the U.S. will strike "much harder and higher," and warned of an even larger attack "waiting in the wings." Fox correspondent Trey Yingst reported Trump told him a third Iranian response would result in Iran being "totally wiped out as a country." Iranian officials reported the strike hit a wedding in Kuhestak, Sirik County, Hormozgan, killing at least 2 people and injuring 50, with potential for higher death toll.

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary Doug Burgum indicates Trump reached out to Apple regarding Lake Ontario name change — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, appearing on Fox News, stated that President Trump has reached out to Apple directly regarding changing Apple Maps' designation of Lake Ontario to "Lake America." Burgum indicated that a change may be coming soon as a result of Trump's direct contact with the company.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing US federal agencies to refer to Lake Ontario as "Lake America," effective immediately. The order affected the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which sets the standard for official US maps. Google Maps complied, changing the lake's name for US users. The renaming escalated an existing trade dispute between the US and Canada involving 50% US tariffs on Canadian steel and Canadian retaliatory tariffs. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the renaming, citing the lake's Indigenous Wendat origin meaning "the lake is beautiful, the lake is great."

Supporting reports

• Navy transfers payroll funds to combat operations amid Iran war costs — The U.S. Navy, bearing the brunt of Trump's military operations against Iran, is transferring money from payroll to combat operations, creating personnel pay shortfalls that officials are covering by raiding other accounts. The issue was raised in a July Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, where Defense Secretary Hegseth blamed the Biden administration rather than address the spending mechanism. A conservative defense analyst speculated the shortages reflect a deliberate political decision to avoid appearing to damage military readiness over an increasingly unpopular war.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America — President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" on US maps, documents, and databases. The order follows a similar action renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" on his second term's first day. Trump lacks authority to rename Canada's portion of the lake or compel international adoption of the name. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the move, citing the lake's Indigenous Wendat origin and historical precedence. Several US governors in the Great Lakes region also dismissed the renaming.
• Trump signs executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office designating Lake Ontario as "Lake America," effective immediately. He stated the administration is "changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America" and suggested potentially renaming the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trump also suggested canceling subscriptions to media companies that refer to the lake by its original name, with an exception for Fox News.
• Trump issues executive order renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on August 27, 2026, directing the Secretary of the Interior to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" within 30 days. The order asserts that the United States is the "greatest protector" of the Great Lakes, citing U.S. Coast Guard ice-breaking operations and $4 billion in ecosystem investments. The Secretary must coordinate with the Board on Geographic Names to update all federal references, maps, contracts, and the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the new name.
• Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America — The White House published this executive order on 2026-08-27 through its executive-orders channel.
• Trump signed executive order renaming Lake Ontario — On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to refer to Lake Ontario as "Lake America." The change applies only to the U.S. federal geographic naming system; Trump cannot force Canada to use the name, as the United States and Canada share the lake. The action occurred during an escalating trade dispute in which the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods and Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs. Trump displayed a map with "LAKE AMERICA" printed across the lake and floated the possibility of renaming an ocean, suggesting the Atlantic or Pacific could be next. The original name derives from the Huron word "oniatarí:io," meaning "lake of shining waters."
• Trump signed executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — Trump signed an executive order directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America" in all official U.S. government documents, communications, and the Geographic Names Information System. Trump framed the action as part of a broader effort to rename geographic features, referencing his earlier change of the Gulf of Mexico's name and suggesting future changes to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The order appears designed to assert U.S. dominance over shared geography and pressure Canada.
• Trump signed executive order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" during trade war — President Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" amid an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The action appears to be a symbolic gesture during heightened trade tensions with Canada, which shares sovereignty over the Great Lake.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares national emergency on bulk-power system, bans foreign equipment — President Trump issued an executive order on August 26, 2026, declaring a national emergency regarding foreign supply of bulk-power system electric equipment. The order prohibits acquisition, importation, transfer, or installation of foreign-produced bulk-power equipment by any person or entity subject to U.S. jurisdiction where a foreign country or national has an interest. The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other agencies, must determine which transactions pose undue risk of sabotage, subversion, or supply disruption. The order authorizes conditions on existing foreign equipment and directs the Secretary to publish implementing regulations within 120 days and recommend Federal Acquisition Regulation revisions within 180 days.
• Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System — The White House published this executive order on 2026-08-26 through its executive-orders channel.
• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares a National Emergency to Secure America’s Bulk-Power System — The White House published this fact sheet on 2026-08-26 through its fact-sheets channel.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration threatened to demolish Kennedy Center — Trump's lawyers suggested that the administration might be forced to demolish the Kennedy Center if courts do not permit the board to renovate it over the next two years and add Trump's name to the facade. Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers wrote that without renovations, the Center would deteriorate into an unsafe structure requiring demolition, with proposals to replace it with an outdoor amphitheater. The threat came after ticket sales and fundraising for the Kennedy Center plummeted following the addition of Trump's name to the building.
• Trump's DOJ threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if Trump's plans do not proceed — Trump's Department of Justice lawyers argued that the Kennedy Center building is dangerously dilapidated, financially unsustainable, and heading toward demolition unless Trump's plans for the facility can proceed. The DOJ claimed Trump's "efforts and prestige" provide the "sole hope" for the Center's financial survival. The threat came after ticket sales and donations plunged following Trump's takeover of the venue.

Supporting reports

• Cattle ranchers and farmers criticized Trump's ground beef import plan — Cattle ranchers and farmers, who have historically strongly supported Trump, publicly criticized his plan to suspend tariffs on imported ground beef. They argued that the imports would drive down prices while making it impossible to distinguish between U.S. and foreign meat, particularly following the recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef that had missed required inspection in the U.S. The criticism from a traditionally Trump-supporting constituency signals erosion of agricultural support.
• Trump announced suspension of tariffs on imported ground beef to lower beef prices — Trump announced he would suspend tariffs on imports of up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, claiming the imports would be sold "at 25 percent below current prices." Trump did not identify the country or countries from which the ground beef would be sourced. The move was intended to address consumer price concerns but immediately drew criticism from cattle ranchers and farmers who have historically supported Trump.
• Trump administration threatens additional tariffs on Canadian autos and steel; Canada rejects US trade proposal over French language protections — Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected a US trade proposal perceived as weakening French language protections in Quebec, instructing negotiators to walk away from talks. Tariffs on Canadian products took effect over the weekend, affecting approximately 5% of Canada's exports. President Trump responded by threatening new tariffs on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel beginning January 1, claiming Canada has been "ripping off" the US. Canada announced plans to retaliate in early September. The dispute centers on Quebec's language laws (Bills 96 and 109) that US negotiators framed as trade irritants.
• Trump announces 50% tariff increase on Canadian automotive and steel imports effective January 1, 2027 — President Trump posted that tariffs on all Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts, and steel will increase to 50% effective January 1, 2027, unless manufactured in the U.S. Trump characterized Canada as one of the worst nations to deal with, claiming a $60 billion trade deficit and stating that Canada conducts 95% of its business with the U.S. while the U.S. does not need Canada. The announcement follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's statement that Canada will pursue deeper economic partnerships with the EU in response to U.S. tariffs.
• Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian automobiles, trucks, and steel effective January 1, 2027 — Trump posted on social media that on January 1, 2027, he would place tariffs of 50% on "all Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel" from Canada. The announcement came after Carney's statement that Canada would retaliate against existing tariffs dollar-for-dollar beginning September 8. Trump claimed "Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years" and stated "Canada will be treated like a State no longer!"

Supporting reports

• Trump held campaign rally in South Carolina for Senator Darline Graham — Trump held a campaign rally in South Carolina on August 22 to support Senator Darline Graham's primary runoff campaign. Trump told attendees the election was about him personally, stating that Graham's opponent Ralph Norman was "only fighting Darline because they want me to lose." Trump's appearance was aimed at restoring political power as his popularity slides and candidates he endorsed in gubernatorial and congressional races in Iowa, Georgia, Wyoming, Minnesota, Michigan, and Tennessee have lost.
• Trump spent $827,000 supporting Darline Graham in GOP Senate primary — Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., spent $827,000 on text messages and phone calls supporting Darline Graham in Tuesday's snap GOP Senate primary against incumbent Rep. Ralph Norman. Trump held a rare in-person rally for Graham and pushed her to run for a full term. Republican strategists warn that a Graham loss would be an "utter rejection" and "massive embarrassment" to the White House. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is supporting Graham's opponent Ralph Norman.

Supporting reports

• Trump's lawyer threatens $5bn lawsuit against Center for American Progress over National Guard report — Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Alejandro Brito, sent a letter to the Center for American Progress (CAP) threatening a $5 billion lawsuit unless the think tank retracts a July 2026 report concluding that National Guard deployments in Washington DC, Memphis, and Los Angeles failed to measurably reduce crime despite costing $1.7 billion. CAP released a statement defending its research as factual analysis protected by the First Amendment and refusing to retract. The threat targets the organization's publication of policy analysis critical of the Trump administration's military deployment strategy.

Supporting reports

• US sanctions ICC president and prosecutor over Gaza investigations — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court, and Abdoulaye Seye, an ICC senior trial lawyer, for investigating crimes in Gaza and pursuing cases without state consent. Rubio characterized the ICC as "corrupt and fatally politicized" and stated the US goal is to "disable the ICC's ability to operate." This follows Trump's 2025 executive order sanctioning the court and prior sanctions on prosecutor Karim Khan, who had sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

Supporting reports

• Trump held press conference in Oval Office addressing Iran, Oman, North Korea, and USS Abraham Lincoln conditions — Trump held a press conference in the Oval Office where he stated Iran should "raise the white flag of surrender," threatened to "bomb the shit out of" Oman if it interfered with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, declared his intent to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory, dismissed reports of poor conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as "fake news," and defended his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un while suggesting reduced military exercises with South Korea. He also dismissed criticism from Senator Jon Ossoff regarding his aide Natalie Harp.
• Trump threatens military action against Oman over Iran peace talks — On Monday 17 August, Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a key US strategic partner and historical backchannel to Iran, if it "gets in the way" of his demands in stalled US-Iran peace negotiations. Trump also signaled he was not pressing for the war to end without Iran meeting his conditions, telling Fox News "I have no time schedule. I'm not in a hurry." The US and Iran missed their 60-day diplomatic deadline the same day, failing to reach agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
• Trump stated intent to declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory — Trump stated he believes declaring the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory is "a great idea" because "we control it with a blockade" and "we have total control over the strait." He indicated he would pursue this declaration.
• Trump threatened military action against Oman — Trump stated that if Oman interferes with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, "we'll bomb the shit out of them," and later told a reporter that Oman "didn't behave very well" but "we'll handle them very easily just like we do other things."
• Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with Iran negotiations — In an interview with Fox News Channel's Trey Yingst on the morning of August 18, Trump threatened military action against Oman, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. When asked about talks between Iran and Oman over control of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated: "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the sh*t out of them."
• AP reports Trump threatened to bomb Oman — The Associated Press reported new details regarding President Trump's recent threat to bomb Oman, a U.S. ally in the Middle East. The threat represents an escalation in rhetoric toward a country that has historically maintained diplomatic relations with the United States.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration promoted "Freedom Cities" concept — The Trump administration promoted the creation of 10 new "Freedom Cities" in the U.S. that would be built free of all government regulations, a concept the bulletin suggests originated from Silicon Valley tech billionaire networks and their "TESCREALism" ideology. The bulletin notes this was based on Project 2025 and represents an effort to create regulation-free polities controlled by tech elites.

Supporting reports

• Trump instructed reduction of joint military exercises with South Korea — President Trump posted that he instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing cost concerns and claiming the exercises send an inappropriate signal to North Korea. Trump stated he has a "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and framed the exercises as unnecessary given North Korea's purported non-threatening stance during his presidency. This marks the first time in U.S. history the country has reduced military commitments to South Korea, a 75-year ally.
• Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea — President Trump abruptly ordered the Pentagon to scale back Ulchi Freedom Shield, an 11-day joint military exercise with South Korea scheduled for August 17–27, involving approximately 18,000 South Korean troops. Trump announced the decision via social media, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and framing the drills as "inappropriate and hostile." The move came days after North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles. Congressional Democrats criticized the decision as punishing an ally and handing propaganda to a dictator.
• Trump defended relationship with North Korea and suggested reducing military exercises with South Korea — Trump stated that Kim Jong Un "has always treated me with great respect" and that he "understands" the North Korean leader better than previous presidents. He indicated that South Korea declined his request for assistance with Iran and suggested that the U.S. cannot "go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they're not there to help us," implying reduced commitment to South Korean defense.
• Trump ordered reduction of U.S.–South Korea military exercises — On Sunday evening, Trump declared that he had ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. The drills were scheduled to begin the following day. Trump claimed the exercises sent an inappropriate signal to North Korea, though the decision coincided with North Korea deploying 50,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Supporting reports

• Trump offered paid subscriptions to presidential announcements — Trump is offering paid subscriptions to presidential announcements on war, peace, and economic policy, with paying customers receiving information first. Sen. Ossoff characterized this as selling access to presidential pronouncements on matters of national importance.
• Trump sold early access to Truth Social posts for up to $100,000 per month — Trump has been selling early access to his Truth Social posts for as much as $100,000 a month. Investors appear to be making substantial profits by anticipating Trump's posts, which move financial markets. The arrangement has been widely reported and discussed as a potential form of insider trading.