Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal judge issues temporary injunction against Trump memo — A federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, preventing the memo from taking effect as scheduled. The injunction was granted following a lawsuit filed by a group of non-profits challenging the legality of the memo. The legal dispute may escalate to the Supreme Court. The injunction temporarily halts the freeze, which could have impacted billions of dollars in federal spending, including programs like the National School Lunch Program and Meals on Wheels.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Deregulation Issued — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14192 on January 31, 2025, mandating that for each new federal regulation, at least ten existing regulations must be repealed. This order aims to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth by ensuring that the total incremental cost of new regulations is less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation and providing guidance to federal agencies.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" on January 31, 2025. The order mandates that for every new regulation proposed, at least ten existing regulations must be identified for elimination. This initiative aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and individuals, promoting economic growth and national security. The order also sets a regulatory cap for fiscal year 2025, requiring that the total incremental cost of new regulations be significantly less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these directives.
• White House issued executive order establishing 10-for-1 regulatory offset requirement — The White House published an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" directing federal agencies to identify and eliminate at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation proposed or finalized. For fiscal year 2025, the order requires that the total incremental cost of all new regulations be "significantly less than zero." The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is charged with implementation, guidance, and enforcement. The order revokes OMB Circular A-4 (2023) and reinstates the 2003 version, and reinstates a 2018 Treasury-OMB memorandum on tax regulation review.
• White House issues fact sheet on 10-to-1 deregulation executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 31, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation issued. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to standardize measurement of regulatory costs and requires that for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations be significantly less than zero. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and asserts that Trump's first term achieved a 5.5-to-1 repeal ratio.

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• Presidential memorandum limits lame-duck CBAs — President issued a memorandum limiting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) made in the 30 days before a new administration. These CBAs, which attempt to bind the new President to previous policies, are deemed inconsistent with democratic governance. The memorandum directs agency heads to disapprove such agreements unless they cover law enforcement officers. The memorandum was signed on January 31, 2025, and published in the Federal Register.
• White House issued memorandum restricting lame-duck collective bargaining agreements — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to prohibit collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) executed in the 30 days prior to a change in presidential administrations. The memorandum states that such agreements "purport to bind a new President to his predecessor's policies" and directs agency heads to disapprove any CBA that creates new contractual obligations, makes substantive changes to existing agreements, or extends their duration. The order cites the Department of Education's January 17, 2025 CBA regarding remote work as an example of agreements the administration views as constraining.

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• FBI launches sweeping staff cuts — The FBI initiated a significant round of staff cuts as part of the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the agency. At least five top FBI officials in major US cities, including Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, New Orleans, and Las Vegas, were ordered to resign or face termination. This move is part of a broader purge targeting career law enforcement officials, particularly those involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol attack and other Trump-related cases. The FBI Agents Association criticized the firings, warning of weakened national security capabilities.

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• Trump makes independent regulators answerable to White House — Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies – such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – accountable to the White House. Agencies will have to report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which will also have a say over their budgets. The White House states the order ensures "all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution." Critics argue the move clashes with mainstream interpretations of the Constitution.

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• Senate Democrats boycott vote on Vought's nomination — Senate Democrats boycotted a vote to advance Russell Vought's nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget, citing his unfitness for office. Despite their absence, Republican members of the Senate budget committee proceeded with the vote, resulting in an 11-0 decision to move Vought's confirmation to the full Senate. Democrats criticized Vought's role in a recent federal grant funding freeze, which was ordered and then rescinded within days, potentially affecting programs like Head Start and Meals on Wheels.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel nominated as FBI director — Kash Patel, a controversial figure known for promoting conspiracy theories, has been nominated by Donald Trump to head the FBI. His nomination has been met with approval from far-right extremists who were previously targeted by the FBI. Patel's confirmation hearing was contentious, and he is not expected to receive Democratic support. Experts warn that his leadership could lead to a reduction in efforts to confront far-right groups. The nomination is part of broader changes within the FBI, including the forced resignation of several high-ranking officials.
• Kash Patel's Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director — Kash Patel, nominated by Trump for FBI director, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where he refused to explicitly state whether he would use his position to investigate Trump's political opponents. Patel distanced himself from past statements perceived as targeting Trump's adversaries, claiming mischaracterization. Despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers about his potential misuse of FBI power, Patel maintained he would only investigate those who broke the law. His confirmation is likely, given Republican support, despite Democratic opposition.

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• Ex-senator Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery — Former US Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison by US District Judge Sidney Stein in New York City for his 2024 conviction on bribery charges. Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes, including gold bars, in exchange for political favors for Egypt and New Jersey businessmen. The sentencing follows his conviction on 16 felony charges, including bribery and fraud. Menendez, who served nearly 19 years in the Senate, resigned last August after his conviction. He plans to appeal the sentence.

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• Disability Rights Oregon sues Grants Pass over camping regulations — Disability Rights Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, accusing it of violating state law by enforcing camping regulations that are not "objectively reasonable." The lawsuit claims that the city's limited and inaccessible shelter options, particularly for people with disabilities, leave many unhoused individuals without legal options for survival. The suit follows a Supreme Court ruling that allowed cities to ban outdoor sleeping and fine individuals, even when shelter beds are insufficient. The lawsuit seeks to block the city from enforcing its current camping rules.

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• Trump signs the Laken Riley Act into law — President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which grants ICE the authority to detain and deport undocumented immigrants arrested for minor charges, such as shoplifting, even if they have not been convicted. This law significantly expands ICE's powers and could lead to increased deportations based on minor infractions, raising concerns about due process and civil liberties for immigrants.
• Became Law: Laken Riley Act — The Laken Riley Act was enacted, becoming Public Law No: 119-1, which signifies its official adoption and implementation. This law may impact relevant policy areas as defined by its provisions.
• Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law — On January 29, 2025, Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, marking a significant legislative achievement for his administration's immigration agenda. The law mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes and allows state attorneys general to sue the federal government if they believe their states have been harmed by its failure to enforce immigration laws. The act is named after Laken Riley, a nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant. The legislation has faced criticism from immigration rights advocates for expanding mandatory detention.
• President Trump signed S.5 (Laken Riley Act) into law — On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed S.5, the "Laken Riley Act," into law. The statute requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes. The White House announcement provides no additional detail on implementation, scope, or effective date.

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• Trump administration's grant and loan freeze blocked by judge — On January 27, 2025, a judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to freeze all federal grants and loans. This move was part of the administration's efforts to cut government spending. The freeze would have affected various federal programs and services, but the judicial intervention has temporarily halted its implementation. The administration's actions have been criticized for potentially causing disruptions in services that rely on federal funding.
• Federal judge issues emergency stay on Trump's order — A federal judge issued an emergency stay on President Trump's order to freeze federal grants, loans, and payments. This stay is intended to preserve the status quo while various lawsuits challenging the legality of the order are heard. The decision temporarily halts the implementation of Trump's directive, which had caused significant disruption and concern across multiple sectors.
• Federal judge blocks Trump’s halt of federal grants and loans — A federal judge, Loren AliKhan, issued an administrative stay temporarily blocking the Trump administration's freeze on federal grants and loans. This decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by non-profits and small businesses, arguing that the freeze would have devastating impacts on various sectors, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. The stay pauses the administration's action until Monday, preventing immediate disruption to programs relied upon by millions of Americans.
• Court temporarily blocks Trump's funding freeze — A federal judge, Loren AliKhan, has temporarily blocked a directive from President Donald Trump that aimed to pause federal financial assistance, including loans and grants. The directive, issued by Trump's acting head of the Office of Management and Budget, Matthew Vaeth, was intended to halt activities related to federal financial assistance as part of an ideological review. The court order prevents the directive from being implemented until at least February 3, following arguments from advocacy groups that the freeze would harm programs in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts federal grants and loans — On January 27, the Trump administration ordered a pause on all federal government grants and loans, requiring that they ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This directive affects a wide range of federal programs and funding.
• Trump freezes federal grants, loans, and payments — President Trump ordered an immediate freeze on federal grants, loans, and payments to millions of Americans, citing a need to review their appropriateness and potential ties to DEI initiatives. This action, which affects funds previously allocated by Congress, has been criticized as illegal under the 1974 Impound Control Act. The freeze has caused widespread confusion and concern, with reports of Medicaid portals being down nationwide and various federal programs in disarray.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding for DEI and environmental programs — The Trump administration announced a freeze on federal grants targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and environmental initiatives, described as "illegal DEI programs" and "green new scam" initiatives. This funding pause, set to activate on the evening of January 28, 2025, could impact trillions of dollars in grants and loans, affecting programs such as school meals for low-income students and wildfire preparedness. The Office of Management and Budget has requested details from federal agencies about over 2,600 programs that could be affected.
• White House rescinds spending freeze on federal loans and grants — The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a policy that temporarily paused federal loans and grants, reversing a decision made earlier in the week. This policy had initially halted funding for various programs, including Medicaid. The rescission followed a federal judge's restraining order against the funding freeze, which was issued due to conflicting messages from the White House. Despite the rescission, the White House press secretary stated that the executive orders on federal funding remain in effect.
• Trump administration memo orders freeze on federal financial assistance — The Trump administration issued a memo directing federal agencies to freeze the disbursement of all federal financial assistance, effective January 30, 2025. The memo, authored by acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth, requires agencies to submit detailed information about their financial assistance programs by February 10, 2025. The freeze will remain until the Office of Management and Budget reviews and approves each program. The memo excludes direct assistance to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare. The stated purpose is to prevent federal resources from advancing certain policies deemed wasteful by the administration.
• Trump administration rescinds federal funding freeze memo — The Trump administration rescinded a memo that froze federal funding after it caused widespread chaos and legal challenges. The initial freeze had paused federal grants and loans, affecting public programs and government spending.
• Case update — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — The Government submitted a Notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Case update — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — The Government submitted a notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Trump administration sued over funding freeze — The Trump administration faced a lawsuit from multiple states over a funding freeze memo. Despite rescinding the memo, the administration argued in court for the lawsuit's dismissal. However, a judge ordered the release of funds, citing conflicting statements from the administration's press secretary, which suggested the freeze was still in effect.
• Reports of Medicaid portal outages following funding freeze — Following the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, reports emerged of Medicaid portal outages across all 50 states. Senator Ron Wyden confirmed the outages, describing them as a "blatant attempt to rip away health insurance from millions of Americans." The White House attributed the outages to technical issues, but the Medicaid website cited delays due to executive orders on grant payments. Medicaid provides health insurance to nearly a fifth of all Americans.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding — The Trump administration announced a freeze on all federal funding and grants, claiming it would ensure the removal of "Marxist" diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision affects various programs, including Meals on Wheels and Medicaid, which are essential for many Americans. The Office of Management and Budget later issued a memo to rescind the freeze, but the press secretary contradicted this, indicating the cuts were still in effect. The situation has led to significant public outcry and legal scrutiny.
• Trump issues executive order freezing government grants — Former President Trump issued an executive order freezing government grants, which was described as illegal and a direct assault on congressional authority. The order was rescinded after two days due to public outrage and pressure from lawmakers. The freeze caused significant disruption and uncertainty for millions of Americans dependent on government benefits and payments. The swift public and political response highlighted the power of civic engagement in countering executive overreach.
• Trump’s administration freezes federal grants — The Office of Management and Budget under Trump sent out a memo freezing all federal grants and loans without prior approval from the White House, leading to concerns about a constitutional crisis.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order against the OMB policy to allow the states to file their motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge McConnell's order notes that the case is not moot because “the alleged rescission of the OMB Directive was in name only and may have been issued simply to defeat the jurisdiction of the courts.” The judge also wrote, "the States are likely to succeed on the merits of some, if not all, their claims."

Supporting reports

• Trump fires NLRB officials, paralyzing agency — Donald Trump fired National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) general counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and chair Gwynne Wilcox, effectively paralyzing the agency. The firings leave the NLRB with only two members, short of the quorum needed to issue significant decisions on labor disputes. The dismissals have been criticized as an attack on the rule of law and a threat to the independence of regulatory agencies. Wilcox, the first Black woman on the board, plans to challenge her firing in court, which could invalidate future board decisions if her termination is overturned.
• Trump administration fires federal watchdogs — Since January 24, 2025, President Trump has fired a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board. Wilcox described her dismissal as "unprecedented and illegal." These firings are part of Trump's broader agenda to reshape the federal government by reducing its workforce and cutting spending. The removal of these watchdogs has raised concerns about the administration's commitment to oversight and accountability.

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• US judge rescinds order barring Oath Keepers leader from Washington DC — A federal judge, Amit Mehta, rescinded an order that barred Stewart Rhodes, former leader of the Oath Keepers, and other defendants from entering Washington DC and the US Capitol without court permission. This decision followed a request from the US Department of Justice to vacate the ban and dismiss the terms of supervised release. The initial order was issued just three days prior. The rescission acknowledges the impact of President Trump's commutation of sentences for Rhodes and others involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.

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• Trump DOJ fires prosecutors involved in investigations against him — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General McHenry, terminated several career prosecutors who were involved in investigations of former President Trump. This action is framed as part of an effort to end the "weaponization of government" and aligns with Trump's agenda. The firings raise concerns about the independence of the DOJ and its role in upholding the rule of law.
• Trump administration fires DOJ lawyers in criminal cases — The Trump administration fired more than a dozen DOJ lawyers involved in two criminal cases against the president. This action raises concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and potential interference in legal proceedings.
• Trump justice department fires officials linked to Jack Smith — On January 27, 2025, Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired over a dozen federal prosecutors who had worked on criminal cases against Donald Trump. These prosecutors were part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's team, which had charged Trump in two cases related to mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The firings were justified by McHenry as necessary because the prosecutors could not be trusted to implement the president's agenda. This move is part of broader personnel changes within the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
• Trump fires federal prosecutors involved in his prosecutions — On January 27, Trump’s acting attorney general fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors who were involved in the criminal prosecutions against Trump. The official stated that the acting attorney general “does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda.”
• White House directed firing of special counsel prosecutors — The Justice Department, following instructions from the White House, fired more than a dozen federal prosecutors involved in criminal prosecutions against Donald Trump. The firings were directed by the acting Attorney General, James McHenry, and were linked to a memo from the White House personnel office. This action has raised concerns about the independence of the Justice Department and its potential use as an extension of the White House. The prosecutors were dismissed due to their roles in prosecuting Trump, which was seen as incompatible with the president's agenda.

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• DOJ removes database of Jan. 6 insurrectionists' charges — The Department of Justice removed a database listing the criminal charges and convictions of individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. This action raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of cases related to the insurrection.

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• New York doctor indicted in Louisiana over abortion pill prescription — Dr. Margaret Carpenter, a New York doctor, was indicted by a Louisiana grand jury for allegedly prescribing an abortion pill online to a minor in Louisiana. The indictment includes charges against Carpenter, her company Nightingale Medical PC, and the minor's mother for criminal abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs. This case marks the first criminal charges against a doctor for sending abortion pills to another state since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Louisiana has a near-total abortion ban, and the state recently reclassified abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances.

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• Judge Griffin attempts to overturn election of Justice Alison Riggs — Judge Griffin is attempting to overturn the election of Justice Alison Riggs to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This legal battle is ongoing, with court dates set and public support mobilizing to defend the election outcome. The case highlights issues of judicial independence and electoral integrity in the face of challenges to democratic processes.
• North Carolina GOP attempts to overturn election results — In North Carolina, the GOP is attempting to overturn the election results for the NC Supreme Court seat won by Justice Alison Riggs. This effort involves Judge Griffin's attempt to discard 60,000 votes, which has sparked significant opposition from organizations like Common Cause NC and Emancipate. These groups are mobilizing efforts to raise awareness and counteract the GOP's actions, which are seen as an attempt to undermine democratic processes similar to tactics used in the 2020 election.

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• Eric Adams faces federal indictment for corruption — Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal corruption charges. The indictment alleges that Adams accepted bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. These charges were filed in September, and Adams has pleaded not guilty. The indictment has raised questions about his ability to effectively lead the city, especially as he is also running for re-election. The trial is scheduled to begin in April, and Adams has defended his actions, claiming political targeting by the Biden administration.

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• Trump fires 17 Inspectors General without notice — Former President Donald Trump fired 17 non-partisan, independent Inspectors General at various government agencies without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates federal law and has been criticized as a move to eliminate oversight and accountability within the government. The firings have raised concerns about potential corruption and abuse of power in the Trump administration.
• Trump fires multiple inspectors general — President Trump informed at least 15 inspectors general across various federal departments that they were fired, including those from Defense, State, and Health and Human Services. This action follows a recent law requiring presidents to provide written reasons for such removals, raising legal concerns about the firings.
• Trump fired federal inspectors general — Donald Trump dismissed more than a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including inspectors general at the departments of state, defense, and transportation. This action was taken without providing the required 30 days' notice or reasons to Congress, which is a violation of federal law. The dismissals are seen as an attempt to replace these officials with loyalists, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in the government.
• Trump administration fires federal watchdogs — Since January 24, 2025, President Trump has fired a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including Gwynne Wilcox, a senior official at the National Labor Relations Board. Wilcox described her dismissal as "unprecedented and illegal." These firings are part of Trump's broader agenda to reshape the federal government by reducing its workforce and cutting spending. The removal of these watchdogs has raised concerns about the administration's commitment to oversight and accountability.
• Trump fires Inspectors General without notice — Senator Chuck Grassley reported that President Trump fired 18 Inspectors General without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress. This action violates legal norms and raises concerns about oversight and accountability within the federal government.