Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DOJ prosecutors demoted after Comey indictment push — The Washington Post reported that prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia have been demoted or pushed out following the push to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey. The fallout has disrupted major cases, including one involving a deadly attack in Afghanistan. The action reflects apparent retaliation against prosecutors perceived as insufficiently loyal to the Trump administration's priorities.

Supporting reports

• Trump awarded no-bid contract for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repairs — Trump awarded a $6.9 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings to reseal joints, waterproof, and paint the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The company had never won a federal contract before but had worked at one of Trump's golf clubs. Trump bypassed the required competitive bidding and review process by invoking an exemption designed for emergencies, citing the need to complete work before the July 4, 2026 Declaration of Independence anniversary. The contract price is more than triple the $1.8 million Trump initially promised, and officials estimate the repairs will last 7–10 years rather than the 50 years Trump claimed.
• Cost of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project increased 88 percent to $13.1 million — According to New York Times reporting, the cost of Trump's plan to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool jumped 88 percent to $13.1 million. Government records showed the price appeared to include a 20 percent profit margin for Trump's handpicked contractor, who received the job via no-bid contract.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced plan to take control of East Potomac Golf Links — The Trump administration planned to take control of the East Potomac Golf Links on the Washington, D.C., waterfront, one of three D.C. public golf courses the administration is taking over, with plans to convert it into a championship golf course and establish Trump's National Garden of American Heroes nearby. The sculpture park would feature approximately 250 Americans Trump believes are significant to history. The plans have not been made public, nor have they been approved by Congress or gone through the federal review process. The new golf course would erase the area's public bike paths and open recreational space. The administration planned to shut down the course today for renovation.

Supporting reports

• Trump characterizes military blockade as "greatest military maneuver in history" and threatens Iranian ships — Trump told Fox News Channel's Trey Yingst that his military blockade of Iranian ports is the "greatest military maneuver in history." He also stated that if Iranians target U.S. ships, they will be "blown off the face of the earth." Trump later described the blockade to a group of small-business owners at the White House as a "mini war."

Supporting reports

• Trump announced "Project Freedom" to escort merchant ships through Strait of Hormuz — President Trump announced that on Monday the U.S. will launch "Project Freedom," an effort to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that Project Freedom will include "guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members." Iran has stated that the use of U.S. Navy ships for escort would violate the ceasefire; it is unclear whether Navy ships will participate. Trump characterized the effort as "humanitarian," citing ships stuck from the strait's closure running low on supplies and facing sanitation problems, though the administration is clearly attempting to challenge Iran's control of the strait.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order restricting mail-in voting and creating national voter file — Trump issued an executive order last month designed to limit mail-in voting by creating a national voter file to which the U.S. Postal Service must defer before delivering mail ballots. The order is being challenged as unconstitutional. The move is particularly consequential in Arizona, where 80 percent of votes are cast by mail under a system established decades ago by the Republican Party.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration claims War Powers Resolution compliance by declaring Iran war "terminated" despite ongoing blockade — The Trump administration argued on Friday that it did not require congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution at the 60-day mark because the war with Iran had "terminated" on April 7, despite the U.S. continuing to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports—an act of war. When asked how the war could be terminated while the military enforced the blockade, Trump told reporters it was a "very friendly blockade" that "nobody's even challenging." Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged the claim as false, noting that U.S. and Iranian ships were exchanging missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Secretary of State announces shift in military operations against Iran — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the military operation known as Epic Fury against Iran has concluded, transitioning to a new phase called Project Freedom, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the deadline set by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military action.
• Secretary of State Rubio announced end of Operation Epic Fury and transition to Project Freedom — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, is concluded and the administration is transitioning to Project Freedom, an effort to open the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the May 1 deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which required either congressional approval or withdrawal of troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action.
• Trump claims war has "terminated" to avoid War Powers Act compliance — The Trump administration insists the war with Iran has "terminated," a characterization that would exempt the president from the requirement under the 1973 War Powers Act to either withdraw troops or obtain congressional approval for continuing military actions. This claim is made despite ongoing military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.

Supporting reports

• Defense Department announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany — On Friday, the Defense Department announced it was pulling 5,000 troops from Germany and cancelling a plan formulated under the Biden administration to deploy an artillery unit equipped with missiles in Europe. The U.S. had increased its European presence after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. These moves will return U.S. forces to pre-invasion levels. Senior defense officials indicated the force reduction was intended as punishment for Germany after Chancellor Merz's criticism of Trump's Iran strategy. U.S. bases in Germany serve as staging areas for U.S. operations in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
• Trump announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany. — Trump announced the immediate withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, with more withdrawals to follow. The decision came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told students the US was "being humiliated by the Iranian leadership." Nearly 40,000 US troops are currently stationed in Germany, the largest contingent in Europe.
• Trump suggested withdrawing troops from Spain and Italy — On Thursday, President Trump suggested to reporters that he might also pull troops out of Spain and Italy, stating "Why shouldn't I? Italy has not been of any help to us. And Spain has been horrible. Absolutely horrible."

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed no prior president sought War Powers Act congressional approval — On May 1, 2026, President Trump told reporters that he did not need to seek congressional authorization to extend military operations against Iran because "it's never been sought before" and "nobody's ever asked for it before." Trump stated that "every other president considered it totally unconstitutional" and that the administration agreed with that interpretation. The claim contradicts historical practice; presidents before Trump have honored the 60-day War Powers Act requirement for congressional approval of military operations.
• Trump claimed War Powers Act 60-day clock terminated after ceasefire — On May 1, 2026, sixty days after notifying Congress of military action in Iran on March 2, Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley stating that hostilities that began on February 28 had "terminated" on April 7, when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. Although hostilities and a U.S. blockade of Iran continued, the administration maintained the ceasefire was in place until July 10, 2026.
• Trump notified Congress of claimed termination of Iran hostilities under War Powers Act — On May 1, 2026, President Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley claiming that hostilities with Iran that began on February 28 had terminated on April 7 when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. The letter asserted no exchange of fire had occurred since April 7, despite U.S. forces firing on an Iranian tanker on April 19 and continuing a blockade of Iranian ports. The administration stated it would continue building military presence in the region. This action occurred on the 60-day deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires presidential withdrawal of forces or congressional authorization by that date.
• White House asserted to Congress that Iran hostilities have terminated despite ongoing military presence — The White House sent a letter to Congress asserting that hostilities with Iran have "terminated" despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region. The assertion was made to circumvent a May 1 legal deadline for congressional approval to continue the war, which Trump began without congressional authorization two months prior.

Supporting reports

• Senate Majority Leader Thune declined to challenge Trump's War Powers Act interpretation — On May 1, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated he would not challenge Trump's novel interpretation of the War Powers Act. Thune said Senate Republicans had given him no reason to do so. The article notes that Republicans have no interest in voting to support Trump's unpopular war but do not want to oppose Trump, leading them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities regarding war authorization.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted social media message calling for filibuster elimination — President Trump posted on his social media account calling on the Republican Senate to eliminate the filibuster to pass legislation including "The Save America Act" and other measures he characterized as previously unthinkable. He stated that without the filibuster, "We could pass one bill after the other" and "we wouldn't lose for 50 years."
• Trump told reporters filibuster elimination would enable unprecedented legislative agenda — President Trump told reporters that eliminating the filibuster would allow passage of "laws and acts and things that we never even dreamt of passing" and stated that without it "we wouldn't lose for 50 years," indicating an intent to use legislative supermajority power to entrench Republican control beyond normal democratic cycles.
• Trump called for Senate to abolish the filibuster — Trump posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to abolish the filibuster, claiming it would allow Republicans to pass legislation "at a record clip," including the Save Act. Trump stated that without the filibuster, Republicans "wouldn't lose for 50 years." When asked about the post in the Oval Office, Trump elaborated that eliminating the filibuster would allow passage of laws "we never even dreamt of passing."

Supporting reports

• Trump directs Tennessee governor to redraw congressional maps — On Thursday, April 30, 2026, Donald Trump posted to Truth Social that he had spoken with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee that morning. Trump stated that Lee "would work hard to correct the unconstitutional flaw in the Congressional Maps" and claimed that "all of the other Political Representatives of Tennessee have promised to do so." Trump concluded: "This should give us one extra seat," explicitly framing the redistricting as a means to gain a Republican House seat.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration officials use shooting incident to advance ballroom construction and suppress criticism. — Within hours of the shooting, Trump administration officials and allied Republicans coordinated messaging to use the incident as justification for a contested White House ballroom construction project. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino attempted to lead a "USA! USA!" chant immediately after the shooting. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding dismissal of their lawsuit against the ballroom, stating the lawsuit "puts the lives of the president, his family, and his staff at grave risk." Multiple Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. John Fetterman, called for taxpayer funding of the ballroom. Trump held a press conference claiming the incident proved the need for the ballroom's "bulletproof glass" and "much more secure" design.
• Trump invokes shooting incident to press White House ballroom construction project — Following a shooting at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night, President Trump used the incident to advance his controversial $400 million White House ballroom project. Trump claimed at a Saturday press briefing and in a Sunday Truth Social post that the incident demonstrated the need for a secure on-site ballroom, stating it would be "drone-proof" and "bulletproof." Trump also demanded on Sunday that lawsuits challenging the ballroom construction "must be dropped, immediately."
• DOJ demands National Trust drop White House ballroom lawsuit citing assassination attempt — Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the DOJ Civil Division sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding the organization withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's planned ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing. Shumate cited a shooting incident the previous night at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a man carrying firearms and knives was apprehended by Secret Service. Shumate argued the ballroom is essential for presidential security and threatened to move to dissolve the injunction and dismiss the case if the lawsuit was not voluntarily dismissed by 9 a.m. Monday.
• Trump insisted security incident proved need for proposed ballroom — At a press conference hours after the April 26, 2026 security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump stated that the trouble demonstrated the necessity of his proposed ballroom addition to the White House.
• Department of Justice demanded National Trust for Historic Preservation drop lawsuit against Trump ballroom plans — On April 27, 2026, the Department of Justice sent a letter demanding that the National Trust for Historic Preservation withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's plans to construct a ballroom addition to the White House, arguing that the lawsuit "puts the lives of the President, his family, and his staff at grave risk." The National Trust rejected the demand, stating that while the security incident was "awful," Trump must still follow the law and obtain congressional approval for the ballroom.
• DOJ pressures National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop lawsuit against Trump ballroom project — Following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 26, the Department of Justice, through Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, sent a letter to lawyers representing the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding the organization voluntarily withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's $400 million White House ballroom construction project. The DOJ characterized the lawsuit as "frivolous" and argued the ballroom was essential for presidential security. The trust had previously obtained a preliminary injunction halting the project in March, but a three-judge appeals panel granted a stay allowing construction to resume on April 11.

Supporting reports

• Trump declines to seek congressional authorization for Iran military operations — Trump has refused to seek congressional approval for military operations against Iran, claiming Iran posed an "imminent threat" under the War Powers Act. Trump's own intelligence agencies contradicted the imminent threat claim. The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours and cease military action within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes the specific military action. The 60-day window closes on May 1, 2026. Trump stated he has "all the time in the world" and told reporters not to rush him, comparing the conflict to Vietnam, Iraq, and World War II. Trump previously claimed in January that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders Navy to shoot Iranian boats near Strait of Hormuz based on nonexistent minesweeping operation — President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz, citing a minesweeping operation that does not exist. The order represents a direct military command based on a false premise, escalating tensions in a critical international waterway and potentially violating rules of engagement and international law governing naval operations in contested waters.

Supporting reports

• Trump posts about arresting Senator Mark Kelly — In early morning social media posts, Trump reposted a random account calling for Senator Mark Kelly to be arrested with "Lock him up" exclamation points. The post was part of a series of posts beginning around 3 a.m. in which Trump reposted random MAGA accounts.

Supporting reports

• President exempts Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-07, exempting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for one year (April 20, 2026–April 20, 2027). The exemption applies to operations subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink. The determination invokes section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, citing paramount national interest. Certain statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317) remain applicable.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation essential to national defense, waiving procedural requirements. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-08, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains, mining, logistics, terminals, and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination cites a prior national energy emergency declaration and asserts that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare grid infrastructure and supply chains (transformers, transmission lines, substations, power electronics, and related materials) essential to national defense. The determination finds that domestic production capacity is dangerously limited and foreign-dependent, posing a threat to defense readiness. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic manufacturing capability.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity as national defense priority. — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-11 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity essential to national defense. The determination, published April 23, 2026, finds that without federal action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum capacity.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity as national defense priority — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints, permitting delays, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The President waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure development, manufacturing, and deployment as essential to national defense. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-09, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, made pursuant to Executive Order 14156 (declaring a national energy emergency), finds that domestic capability cannot be met under existing market conditions due to financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• Trump invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal purchases and financial support for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity constitute industrial resources essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The memorandum, issued pursuant to a January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand petroleum infrastructure, citing constrained financing, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations as barriers. The determination waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act regulations — President Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, granting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada a one-year exemption from certain Clean Water Act regulations. The fact sheet states the exemption prioritizes national security and military readiness while claiming compliance with "toughest Federal standards." The determination removes what the administration characterizes as "unnecessary obstacles" to pilot training and operational effectiveness.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal action on large-scale energy infrastructure development and financing — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to a prior national energy emergency declaration (Executive Order 14156), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic energy infrastructure capability, citing financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers as obstacles. The memorandum waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that grid infrastructure and supply chains—including transformers, transmission lines, substations, and related equipment—are essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination, issued pursuant to the January 20, 2025 National Energy Emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic production capacity. The memorandum waives procedural requirements of Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) to expedite implementation.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity — President Trump issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, declaring natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to be industrial resources essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to the national energy emergency declared in Executive Order 14156 (January 20, 2025), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, financial commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure, waiving standard procedural requirements under the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act to expand coal supply chains and baseload power generation — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination, including making purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand coal supply chain capacity and baseload generation availability, and waives certain procedural requirements of the Act.
• White House issues presidential memorandum exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, exempting the U.S. Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for a one-year period (April 20, 2026 to April 20, 2027). The memorandum cites section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and notes that some operations are subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink. The exemption does not apply to certain specific statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317).
• Trump signs memos invoking Defense Production Act to expand domestic fossil fuel production — On Monday, President Trump released multiple memoranda citing his January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, directing the energy secretary to expand US oil, coal, and natural gas production under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed inadequate domestic energy supply poses a national security threat and ordered federal action to ensure "resilient domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity." The memos authorized the energy secretary to make purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to enable fossil fuel projects.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14401 accelerating FDA review and access to psychedelic drugs for serious mental illness treatment. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate research, clinical trials, and FDA approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) to treat serious mental illnesses and reduce suicide rates. The order allocates $50 million from HHS existing funds for state-federal collaboration, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials, and mandates data-sharing between HHS, FDA, VA, and private sector partners. The order cites a 37 percent increase in suicide rates from 2000–2018 and notes veteran suicide rates are twice the general population.
• Trump administration issues executive order to accelerate psychedelic medication access — On 18 April 2026, the Trump administration signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate access to psychedelic medications for people with serious mental illnesses. The order mandates inter-agency collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to share data and increase clinical trial participation, and directs the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule psychedelics that complete FDA approval. Legal experts characterize the order's concrete legal impact as minimal, though its symbolic value—reinforced by a high-profile press conference featuring podcaster Joe Rogan and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell—may influence policy direction and signal Republican openness to psychedelic research.
• Trump issues executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness treatment — President Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing federal agencies to accelerate approval pathways for psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine compounds) to treat serious mental illnesses. The order mandates FDA prioritization of Breakthrough Therapy-designated psychedelics, establishes Right to Try access for eligible patients, allocates $50 million in HHS funding for state-federal collaboration, and directs the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 clinical trials. The order targets treatment gaps for patients unresponsive to standard therapies, particularly veterans with high suicide rates.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order accelerating psychedelic drug treatments for serious mental illness — The White House published a fact sheet on April 18, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the FDA to issue Commissioner's National Priority Vouchers for psychedelic drugs with Breakthrough Therapy designations, establishing a Right to Try pathway for investigational psychedelics, allocating $50 million through ARPA-H for state-matched psychedelic research, and directing the Attorney General to initiate rescheduling reviews upon Phase 3 trial completion. The fact sheet frames the order as addressing mental illness and veteran suicide rates.
• White House signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug approvals for serious mental illness — President Trump signed Executive Order 14401 directing the FDA to prioritize review of psychedelic drugs (including ibogaine) with Breakthrough Therapy designation, allocate $50 million to state-federal collaboration programs, establish Right to Try pathways for eligible patients, facilitate data-sharing between HHS, FDA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and direct the Attorney General to expedite rescheduling of Schedule I substances that complete Phase 3 trials for approved mental health treatments.
• President Trump signed executive order accelerating psychedelic drug research and access for mental health treatment — On April 20, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate research into and improve access to psychedelic drugs—particularly ibogaine and psilocybin—as treatments for serious mental illnesses, with emphasis on veterans suffering from PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and suicide risk. The order directs HHS, FDA, DOJ, and VA to collaborate on clinical trials, regulatory pathways, Right to Try expansions, and rescheduling considerations. The White House states the order includes $50 million in federal funding for ibogaine research and aims to reduce barriers that have forced veterans to seek treatment outside the United States.
• Rep. Auchincloss questioned FDA approval of psychedelics as political appeasement — During RFK Jr.'s budget hearing, Rep. Auchincloss questioned whether Trump granted FDA approval for psychedelics to appease Joe Rogan and shore up support from his base amid the disastrous Iran war. Auchincloss stated: "In order to appease Rogan's ire, he grants FDA approval" and argued that "safety and efficacy should be the standards by which psychedelics are approved, not the president's attempt to shore up support from his base for a disastrous war in Iran."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens bombing campaign if no Iran deal by Wednesday — Trump told reporters that if there is no deal with Iran by Wednesday, the U.S. would "have to start dropping bombs again." Earlier, he had told reporters Iran "agreed to everything," which the source characterizes as "blatant lies."
• Trump Threatens to Destroy Iranian Infrastructure — Former President Trump threatened to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran, despite having declared the war over just 48 hours earlier. This statement adds to the volatility of the situation and raises concerns about potential escalations in conflict with Iran.
• Trump threatens to destroy all Iranian power plants and bridges if deal not reached — Trump posted that if Iran does not accept a "very fair and reasonable DEAL," the U.S. will "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," declaring "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" UN Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the threat on ABC and CBS, characterizing power plants and bridges as "legitimate military targets" and rejecting characterizations of such destruction as war crimes.
• Trump threatened military strikes on Iran if deal not signed — President Trump told Fox News that if Iran does not sign a proposed deal, "the whole country is going to get blown up" and threatened to "take out their bridges and their power plants." The statement was made approximately five hours before Trump posted on Truth Social claiming he was in no hurry to complete a deal and was under no pressure to do so, creating a contradiction in messaging about the urgency and status of Iran negotiations.

Supporting reports

• U.S. military prepares to board Iran-linked tankers and seize ships in international waters — According to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. military is preparing in coming days to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters, expanding its naval crackdown beyond the Middle East.
• U.S. military prepared to seize Iranian-linked oil tankers in international waters — The U.S. military announced preparation to board and seize commercial vessels linked to Iran in international waters as part of efforts to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear program. The operation, termed "Economic Fury," follows the U.S. Navy's prior forcing of 23 ships to turn back from Iranian ports. The administration intends to take control of vessels globally that provide material support to Iran, including "dark fleet" vessels carrying Iranian oil.
• General Daniel Caine announced pursuit of Iranian-flagged vessels and dark fleet ships — General Daniel Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that the U.S. military would "actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran," including dark fleet vessels carrying Iranian oil. Dark fleet vessels are defined as illicit or illegal ships evading international regulations, sanctions, insurance requirements, or other legal obligations.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department appoints Trump loyalist Joe diGenova to lead probe into officials who investigated Trump — The Justice Department announced the appointment of Joe diGenova, a Trump loyalist and 2020 election denier, to lead a Florida-based federal probe into intelligence and law enforcement officials who investigated Trump. DiGenova previously worked with Rudy Giuliani on efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and to obtain damaging information on then-candidate Joe Biden from Ukrainian officials. The appointment signals the administration's intent to investigate and potentially prosecute those who conducted prior investigations into Trump.
• Joe DiGenova sworn in to lead "Russia hoax investigation" — On April 20, 2026, Joe DiGenova, an 81-year-old former Trump election lawyer and conspiracy theorist, was sworn in to oversee a multi-year "grand conspiracy" investigation against Trump's perceived enemies, including former CIA director John Brennan. DiGenova stated that Trump "personally asked" him to lead the investigation and publicly sketched a grand conspiracy narrative framing investigations into Trump as a coordinated plot to deny him civil rights.

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claims Iran agreed to permanent strait opening — After Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on April 17, Iran opened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. Trump declared the strait "completely open and ready for business" and claimed Iranian leaders had "agreed to everything," including never closing the strait again. Iran's chief negotiator posted on social media that Trump made seven false claims in one hour.
• Trump declared victory in Iran War on Truth Social with 13 posts claiming imminent peace agreement — Trump posted 13 times on Truth Social claiming total victory in the Iran War and an imminent peace agreement. His posts asserted Iran agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, that the U.S. would obtain Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, and that Israel is prohibited from bombing Lebanon. However, Reuters reported significant differences remain between Iran and the U.S., Iran denied agreeing to transfer nuclear material to the U.S., and analysts noted Iran retained substantial leverage over the strait and regional dynamics.
• Trump announced end of Iran war and claimed Iranian concessions via social media posts — Trump announced through interviews and social media posts that the war with Iran was over and peace talks were imminent, claiming Iranian leaders had agreed to remove enriched uranium, never close the Strait of Hormuz again, and end their nuclear program. Trump stated the U.S. Navy would continue blockading Iran's ports and that the U.S. would retrieve Iran's highly enriched uranium at "a leisurely pace" with no payment to Iran. Ron Filipkowski noted Trump posted thirteen times in one hour claiming total victory.
• Iran denied agreeing to transfer enriched uranium to the U.S. — Iranian sources told News18 that Iran has not agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States, directly contradicting Trump's public claims. A source close to Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that "no form of nuclear material transfer to America has been negotiated."
• Iranian parliament speaker rejected Trump's claims about nuclear agreement — Iran's top negotiator and speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on social media that Trump had made seven claims in an hour, all of which were false. Iran rejected Trump's claim that it had agreed to hand over its uranium stockpile and clarified that the Strait of Hormuz was open only for commercial vessels, not military ships, and would close again if the U.S. blockade continued.
• U.S. negotiates $20 billion payment to Iran for nuclear pledge — The United States entered into negotiations to transfer $20 billion to Iran in exchange for Iran's voluntary nuclear non-proliferation commitment. The arrangement represents a significant financial concession tied to an unenforceable promise.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $11 million Catholic Charities contract — The Trump administration abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities, cutting off care for vulnerable migrant children and ending a partnership that has existed for more than 60 years. The article characterizes this as retaliation against the Catholic Church for the Pope's and Archbishop of Baltimore's criticism of the administration's military policies and rhetoric.
• Trump cut federal funding for Catholic charitable program for migrant children — Trump retaliated against the Catholic Church by cutting off federal funding for one of their most successful charitable programs working with children who arrive in the United States, following the Pope's public criticism of the administration's military operations and theology.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — President Trump threatened again to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term as chair ends in May. Powell has stated he will continue on the board until the Trump administration drops its criminal investigation of him over alleged cost overruns on renovations of Federal Reserve buildings. The threat represents Trump's ongoing effort to exert personal power over independent government institutions.
• Trump threatens to fire Federal Reserve chair — President Donald J. Trump threatened to fire Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May, amid ongoing tensions related to a criminal investigation into Powell's alleged cost overruns on Federal Reserve building renovations. Powell has stated he will remain on the board until the investigation concludes.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration repeals "endangerment finding" underpinning US climate regulations — The Trump administration repealed the "endangerment finding," the legal determination that serves as the basis for virtually all US climate regulations. This action was celebrated at the Heartland Institute conference as a top priority achieved. The repeal removes the regulatory foundation for EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate policy, effectively dismantling decades of climate governance infrastructure.