Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump announces drug-pricing deal with AstraZeneca in exchange for tariff relief — President Trump announced a deal with British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca under which the company will offer discounted medicines to the U.S. Medicaid program at "most-favored-nation" pricing (matching the lowest price in other developed nations) in exchange for tariff relief. The agreement includes discounted prices through a "TrumpRx" website. Trump made false claims that the deal could reduce drug prices by up to 1,000%. This follows a similar agreement reached with Pfizer the previous week.
• White House issues fact sheet announcing pharmaceutical pricing agreement with AstraZeneca — The White House issued a fact sheet on October 10, 2025, announcing a second most-favored-nation (MFN) pricing agreement, this time with AstraZeneca. The agreement states it will provide Medicaid programs access to MFN drug prices on AstraZeneca products, claims to result in "hundreds of millions of dollars in savings," and requires the company to invest $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing and R&D by 2030, including a new Virginia facility projected to create 3,600 jobs. The fact sheet frames the deal as addressing higher U.S. drug prices relative to other developed nations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration begins new round of federal employee layoffs during shutdown — The Trump administration began a new round of federal employee layoffs to pressure Democrats to end the government shutdown. Trump told reporters they were laying off "people that the Democrats want." Legal analysts stated such layoffs are illegal. Labor unions sued preemptively to prevent the layoffs after Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought threatened to use the shutdown to slash more of the government.
• White House orders layoffs of 4,000+ federal workers during shutdown — On October 10, 2025 (the 10th day of the shutdown), Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, carried out threatened layoffs of more than 4,000 federal workers across multiple agencies. The budget office stated the funding situation was "fluid and rapidly evolving." Democrats condemned the action as deliberate harm to workers who "protect our country, inspect our food, respond when disasters strike." Legal challenges are expected.

Supporting reports

• AFL-CIO and unions file emergency motion for temporary restraining order against RIFs — The AFL-CIO, AFGE, and AFSCME filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order on Friday, October 10, to block the Trump administration from carrying out reduction-in-force layoffs during the government shutdown. Union leaders, including AFGE president Everett Kelley and AFSCME president Lee Saunders, characterized the layoffs as illegal and warned of devastating effects on critical services and workers' families. The unions pledged to pursue "every available legal avenue" to stop what they termed "unlawful attacks."

Supporting reports

• US Department of Commerce announces 92% additional tariffs on Italian pasta manufacturers, effective January 2026 — The US Department of Commerce, following an investigation into alleged dumping practices by Italian pasta makers, announced plans to impose an additional 92% tariff on imports from major manufacturers including La Molisana and Garofalo, with 11 other Italian brands caught in the scope. The tariffs, set to take effect in January 2026, target producers of premium pasta exported to the US market. Italian manufacturers and government officials have condemned the action as protectionist and economically damaging, with producers preparing legal challenges and Italy's agriculture minister calling it "hyper-protectionist."

Supporting reports

• White House OMB argues furloughed federal workers not entitled to back pay under GEFTA — The White House Office of Management and Budget issued a draft memo arguing that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019 does not automatically guarantee back pay to furloughed federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. OMB General Counsel Mark Paoletta stated that Congress must include express appropriations language for back pay in legislation ending the shutdown. The OMB previously removed references to GEFTA from shutdown guidance. An estimated 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed as of the shutdown's seventh day.
• White House OMB memo argues federal workers not entitled to back pay — On Tuesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget released a memo contending that federal workers are not entitled to back pay during the shutdown, contradicting a 2019 law that mandates such compensation. House Speaker Mike Johnson subsequently stated at a press conference that he believes federal employees should receive back pay, citing statutory law. The memo represents an attempt to reduce pressure on Republicans to end the shutdown quickly.
• White House threatens federal workforce layoffs during shutdown — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that if the shutdown continued, the Trump administration would lay off federal employees, despite federal law entitling them to back pay. She also warned that a food assistance program for low-income mothers and children would exhaust its funding. Director of OMB Russ Vought had already cancelled funding for energy and transportation projects in Democratic-governed states.
• Administration announces continuation of illegal cuts during government shutdown — On October 1, 2025, as the government shutdown began, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced plans to use the shutdown to implement $26 billion in cuts to infrastructure and climate projects in Democratic-led states, as well as to lay off federal employees instead of furloughing them. This action is part of a broader strategy to impose significant cuts to government programs.
• OMB floats denial of back pay guarantee for furloughed federal workers — The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo suggesting that federal workers furloughed during a government shutdown are not guaranteed back pay when the shutdown ends, departing from the administration's own guidance issued the previous month. This reverses the 2019 law that President Trump himself signed to guarantee such pay. Administration officials told media outlets the memo is intended to give Republicans leverage in shutdown negotiations with Democrats. OMB director Russell Vought had previously threatened mass firings if Democrats refused the Republican continuing resolution.
• Trump suggested not all furloughed employees deserve back pay — Speaking to reporters alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump suggested that not all furloughed federal employees should receive back pay following the government shutdown. He noted, "It depends on who we're talking about," and added, "We're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way."
• OMB revised guidance removing back pay guarantee — Government Executive reported that the Office of Management and Budget quietly revised a guidance document last week to remove references to a law passed during Trump's first term, guaranteeing all federal workers back pay following a government shutdown.
• Trump signals furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay — During a White House event, President Trump stated that some furloughed federal workers may not receive customary back pay when the government reopens, saying "there are some people that don't deserve to be taken care of" and that back pay "depends on who we're talking about." This breaks with historical precedent and creates uncertainty for unpaid workers already under financial strain.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration began overhauling Social Security disability evaluation to eliminate age as a factor — The Trump administration is overhauling Social Security to eliminate age as a factor in evaluating disability claims, which are separate from retirement benefits. Right-wing thinkers justify the change by arguing that since people are living longer and fewer work in manual jobs, many could adapt to desk work rather than claiming disability benefits. Senator Ron Wyden characterized this as "Phase One of the Republican campaign to force Americans to work into old age" and "the largest cut to disability insurance in American history."
• Administration's plan to overhaul Social Security disability benefits revealed — The Trump administration is planning to overhaul Social Security to eliminate age as a factor in evaluating disability claims, which critics argue will significantly cut disability insurance benefits. This move is seen as part of a broader campaign to force Americans to work longer for their benefits.
• Republicans push for drastic cuts to healthcare programs — In 2023, after gaining control of the House, Republicans, advised by Russell Vought, proposed significant cuts to healthcare programs, including $2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and over $600 billion to the Affordable Care Act. These cuts are now being pursued amid the government shutdown, affecting millions of Americans' access to healthcare.

Supporting reports

• Federal Emergency Management Agency reimburses Florida $608 million for Alligator Alcatraz and ICE detention projects — The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a $608 million reimbursement to Florida for construction and operation of Alligator Alcatraz and related ICE detention facilities. This reimbursement contradicts the 11th Circuit's legal reasoning that the facility was a state project not requiring federal environmental review. Environmental and legal advocates argue the federal funding proves the facility is a federal project subject to mandatory environmental impact assessment under federal law.

Supporting reports

• U.S. government purchases 10% stake in Trilogy Metals following Ambler Road approval — Concurrent with approving the Ambler Road project, the Trump administration announced that the United States will purchase a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals, one of two companies operating the mine. This equity purchase directly increases the value of existing shares held by other investors, including John Paulson, whose 8.7% stake in the company increased in value from under $30 million to over $100 million immediately following the announcement. Trilogy Metals has no other business ventures; its entire value is tied to the Ambler Mining District project, which is projected to produce minerals worth up to $7 billion.

Supporting reports

• Russ Vought froze federal infrastructure funding in blue states — Russ Vought, acting in his federal role, placed a hold on $2.1 billion in Chicago infrastructure projects, specifically the Red Line Extension and the Red and Purple Modernization Project, citing concerns about race-based contracting. The action represents a continuation of Vought's pattern of freezing federal funding on infrastructure projects in Democratic-led states.
• Trump administration freezes $2.1bn in Chicago transit funding, citing diversity concerns — OMB Director Russ Vought announced a freeze of $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, including Red Line extensions and modernizations of the city's mass transit system. Vought justified the hold as ensuring "funding is not flowing via race-based contracting," citing a new Transportation Department rule effective Wednesday. The move targets a Democratic-led city during a federal government shutdown and follows a similar $18 billion freeze on New York transit projects announced the previous day.
• Trump administration withholds $2.1 billion in Chicago transit funding citing race-based contracting concerns — Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced that $2.1 billion in federal funding for two transit infrastructure projects in Chicago had been placed on hold, citing concerns about "race-based contracting." The action occurred during the ongoing federal shutdown and was characterized as part of the Trump administration's strategy to retaliate against Democratic-led areas by canceling federal dollars for projects in those jurisdictions.

Supporting reports

• Energy Department slashes climate funding and freezes construction projects during shutdown — The U.S. Energy Department is cutting nearly $8 billion in climate-related funding for projects across 16 states and freezing $18 billion allocated for two New York City construction projects. Trump stated he would meet with Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, to determine which agencies aligned with his political priorities should face cuts, describing the shutdown as an "unprecedented opportunity" to eliminate what he called "Democrat Agencies."
• Energy Department terminated 321 awards for 223 projects — Hours after Russ Vought pledged to revoke climate-related funding, the Energy Department announced it had terminated 321 awards for more than 223 projects, claiming the investments did not "advance the nation's energy needs" and were not "economically viable." The agency provided scant details about the cuts.
• Vought announced cancellation of $8 billion in climate funding — OMB Director Russ Vought posted that nearly $8 billion in "Green New Scam" funding was being cancelled to halt the "Left's climate agenda." He listed projects in 16 states, all of which are blue states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

Supporting reports

• Wisconsin Planned Parenthood suspends abortion services due to Trump tax bill Medicaid defunding provision — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin ceased abortion provision on October 2, 2025, in response to a provision in Trump's tax and spending bill that blocks abortion providers receiving over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements from participating in the program for one year. The organization attempted to preserve Medicaid funding for other services (cancer screenings, STI tests, contraception). The provision applies almost exclusively to Planned Parenthood. The suspension is believed to be the first in a state where abortion remains legal.

Supporting reports

• Trump proclamation imposes tariffs on timber, lumber, and wood-product imports under Section 232 national-security authority. — President Trump signed Proclamation 10976 on September 29, 2025, imposing tariffs on wood-product imports effective October 14, 2025. Softwood timber and lumber face a 10 percent ad valorem duty; upholstered wooden products and kitchen cabinets/vanities face 25 percent duties, escalating to 30 and 50 percent respectively on January 1, 2026. The proclamation invokes Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national-security threats from import volumes and foreign subsidies weakening domestic wood-product capacity. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to monitor imports and pursue trade negotiations; tariffs apply except to the United Kingdom (capped at 10 percent) and the European Union and Japan (capped at 15 percent combined with existing duties).
• Trump administration issues proclamation imposing tariffs on timber, lumber, and derivative products under Section 232 — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose tariffs on wood product imports. The proclamation imposes a 10% global tariff on softwood lumber, 25% on upholstered furniture (rising to 30% January 1), and 25% on kitchen cabinets and vanities (rising to 50% January 1). The fact sheet states the Secretary of Commerce completed a Section 232 investigation finding that wood product imports threaten national security, citing military construction spending and supply chain vulnerabilities. Trading partners may negotiate alternatives; the UK, EU, and Japan receive more favorable terms.
• Trump issued proclamation imposing tariffs on timber, lumber, and derivative wood products under Section 232 national security authority — President Trump signed Proclamation 10908 on September 29, 2025, imposing tariffs on imported wood products, effective October 14, 2025. The proclamation establishes a 10 percent ad valorem duty on softwood timber and lumber, 25 percent on upholstered wooden products, and 25 percent on kitchen cabinets and vanities. Duty rates on upholstered products and cabinets increase to 30 percent and 50 percent respectively on January 1, 2026. The proclamation invokes Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, claiming wood products are essential to national defense and critical infrastructure. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to monitor imports and pursue negotiations with trading partners; tariffs for the United Kingdom are capped at 10 percent, and for the European Union and Japan at 15 percent when added to existing duties.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approves $20 billion bailout for Argentina with admitted minimal U.S. benefit — The Trump administration provided a $20 billion rescue package to Argentina, announced in late September 2025. During an October 14 White House meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump admitted the bailout "is not going to make a big difference for our country." Popular Information reporting, confirmed by the New York Times, revealed the bailout would substantially benefit billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal friend of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Citrone was in close contact with Bessent before the announcement, advocating for the bailout to prevent Argentina's currency collapse and protect Milei's political position. The bailout has harmed U.S. soybean farmers, who now face competition from Argentine soybeans sold to China.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced $20 billion bailout package for Argentina benefiting hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone — On October 3, 2025, Popular Information reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion taxpayer-funded bailout package for Argentina that directly benefits Rob Citrone, a hedge fund billionaire and longtime associate of Bessent. Citrone's hedge fund, Discovery Capital, holds Argentine bonds and stakes in Argentine companies whose value depends on Argentina's economic stability. Argentine media reported that Citrone himself requested the bailout from Bessent. The package was justified as serving U.S. strategic interests, though Bessent did not claim Argentina's economy materially affects the U.S. economy.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration reallocates $2 billion in foreign aid — The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration is planning to reallocate nearly $2 billion in foreign aid towards priorities that advance Trump's "America First" agenda, including countering "Marxist, anti-American regimes" in Latin America, despite the funds already being appropriated by Congress.

Supporting reports

• FEMA expedites $11 million in disaster aid to Naples, Florida pier after contact from Homeland Security Secretary's political donor — ProPublica reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expedited more than $11 million in federal FEMA disaster assistance to rebuild a historic pier in Naples, Florida—a tourist attraction damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022—after being contacted by a major financial supporter, cardiologist Sinan Gursoy. City officials had labored for months without success to obtain disaster assistance, but within two weeks of the donor's intervention, FEMA moved to "warp speed." Noem flew to Naples on a government plane to tour the pier and stayed for the weekend, dining with the donor at a French restaurant. Her top adviser Corey Lewandowski, an unpaid DHS staffer serving as her de facto chief of staff, owns a home in Naples near the pier.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced farmer bailout funded by tariff revenue without congressional authorization — Trump stated he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers harmed by his trade war with China, claiming "we're gonna take some of that tariff money that we've made, we're gonna give it to our farmers." Legal analysts noted tariff revenue belongs to the U.S. Treasury and requires congressional appropriation. Trump previously enacted farm bailouts in his first term using similar mechanisms. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed discussions of a farmer aid package across the White House and government.
• Trump announces new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and trucks effective October 1 — President Trump announced new tariffs of 100 percent on pharmaceuticals, 50 percent on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30 percent on upholstered furniture, and 25 percent on heavy trucks, effective October 1. Trump claimed the tariffs were necessary for national security and other reasons. Courts have previously ruled that Trump does not have the power to impose tariffs unilaterally.
• Trump Announces New Tariffs — On September 25, 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs of 100% on pharmaceuticals, 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks, set to take effect on October 1. He justified these tariffs as necessary for national security and other reasons, despite previous court rulings limiting his tariff powers.
• Trump announces 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities effective October 1, 2025 — On September 25, 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs of 100% on pharmaceuticals, 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks, set to take effect on October 1. He claimed these tariffs were necessary for national security and other reasons, despite previous court rulings limiting his tariff powers.
• — Trump announced via Truth Social that a 50% tariff will be imposed on all kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and associated products beginning October 1, 2025, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture. Trump cited large-scale "flooding" of these products into the U.S. by other countries and invoked national security as justification for the tariffs.

Supporting reports

• Nexstar seeks FCC waiver for $6.2 billion Tegna acquisition — Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a media company that owns local television affiliates. The transaction requires the FCC to waive its rule prohibiting a single company from owning broadcast stations that collectively reach more than 39% of the country. The article suggests that Nexstar's willingness to suppress Kimmel's programming may be connected to its regulatory interests before the FCC, which must approve the acquisition.

Supporting reports

• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced U.S. support for Argentina's economy — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on social media on September 22, 2025, fifteen minutes before Argentina's foreign-exchange markets opened, that the U.S. will consider "all options" for stabilizing Argentina's economy. Bessent stated that "Argentina is a systemically important U.S. ally." Argentina's right-wing president Javier Milei, a Trump ally, faces declining voter support ahead of elections next month due to austerity measures, inflation, and currency weakness.
• Argentina stock market surged following US Treasury announcement — Following the Trump administration's announcement of support for Argentina, Argentina's stock market surged 8% after having collapsed 10% in the previous 24 hours. The Kobeissi Letter reported that the timing of the US Treasury's "lifeline" announcement coincided with the market recovery, occurring one month before Argentina's midterm elections.
• Treasury Secretary announced support for Argentina bailout — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US Treasury stands ready to support Argentina with stabilization measures, stating that "all options are on the table" including swap lines, direct currency purchases, and purchases of US dollar-denominated government debt from the Exchange Stabilization Fund. Bessent praised President Javier Milei's fiscal discipline and pro-growth reforms.
• Treasury Department considered using Exchange Stabilization Fund to bail out Argentina. — The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration was considering using the Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund to provide financial assistance to Argentina. The fund, created in the 1930s, can be used to supply loans to foreign countries facing dire financial difficulties, with the Treasury secretary having full control over its use. Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations called such unilateral action "incredibly unusual," noting the U.S. typically coordinates such assistance with other countries and the IMF.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent offered financial support to Argentina without conditions. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered financial support to Argentina without conditions such as requiring the country to address its over-valued peso problem. Mark Sobel, a former U.S. Treasury and IMF official, criticized this approach as potentially "a way of just financing capital flight for little purpose," noting that investors have 100+ years of experience with Argentine over-borrowing, hyperinflation, and defaults.
• CPAC promoted Bessent's Argentina rescue package on social media — After Treasury Secretary Bessent announced the $20 billion rescue package for Argentina on September 24, CPAC promoted the deal on its social media accounts. This occurred despite CPAC's promotion of an "America First" agenda and despite the fact that CPAC's affiliated lobbying firm, Tactic Global, was simultaneously representing Argentina as a foreign agent and had organized CPAC Argentina featuring President Milei.
• Treasury announces $20 billion currency swap with Argentina; potential expansion to $40 billion — On September 24, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina, exchanging U.S. taxpayer dollars for Argentine pesos to support President Javier Milei's peso stabilization efforts. The bailout may expand to $40 billion as Bessent organizes an additional $20 billion facility financed by banks and private equity, with those banks demanding U.S. government guarantees to backstop potential losses. President Trump acknowledged the bailout provides little benefit to Americans but benefits hedge fund billionaire Robert Citrone, a personal friend and former colleague of Bessent with heavy Argentine asset investments.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced $20 billion bailout package for Argentina, reportedly at hedge fund billionaire's request — On September 24, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion U.S. Treasury package to rescue Argentina's economy. Argentine media outlets report that hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone, a personal friend and former colleague of Bessent, requested the bailout after his fund Discovery Capital suffered losses from Argentine investments. Citrone had previously urged Bessent to help secure a separate $20 billion IMF package in spring 2025. Argentine media also reports Citrone purchased additional Argentine bonds two weeks before the bailout announcement, raising suspicions he had access to confidential information.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announces $20 billion rescue package for Argentina — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion taxpayer-funded economic rescue package for Argentina, involving currency stabilization through dollar-peso exchanges. The package was designed to shore up Argentina's foreign currency reserves and stabilize the peso amid economic crisis under President Javier Milei. Bessent's announcement followed months of advocacy by hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal and professional associate of Bessent, who holds substantial Argentine investments and stands to benefit significantly from the currency stabilization.
• U.S. prepares financial aid for Argentina — The U.S. government is preparing a $20 billion financial aid package for Argentina's right-wing leader Javier Milei, despite recent actions that undermine U.S. agricultural interests. This aid is being directed without following the usual congressional appropriations process.
• U.S. preparing $20 billion rescue package for Argentina — The Trump administration is preparing a $20 billion rescue package to bail out Argentina's right-wing leader Javier Milei, a Trump ally, before October elections. This financial support is being offered despite Argentina recently suspending its grain export tax, which undercut U.S. soybean farmers who lost their Chinese market due to Trump's tariff war. Within hours of Argentina's action, China purchased Argentine soybeans.

Supporting reports

• Sinclair demanded Kimmel make donation to Kirk family and Turning Point USA as condition for reinstatement — Sinclair Broadcast Group stated it would not consider airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" unless and until host Jimmy Kimmel makes "a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA," Kirk's right-wing political advocacy group. The demand effectively conditions Kimmel's return to air on a financial payment to a political organization, creating a direct link between editorial suppression and financial extraction.
• Sinclair conditions Kimmel's return on personal apology and donations to right-wing organization — Sinclair Broadcasting stated it would not consider airing Kimmel's show until the host personally apologized and made donations to both the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, a right-wing organizing group founded by Charlie Kirk. The article notes that David Smith, Sinclair's executive director, donated $250,000 to Turning Point USA the previous year, raising questions about the company's financial and ideological alignment with the organization whose support it demanded from Kimmel.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issues executive order imposing $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa employers — Trump issued an executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on employers for each H-1B visa worker employed. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified the terms. The order prompted immediate backlash over concerns it would effectively eliminate the H-1B program. Within one day, U.S. government agencies clarified via social media that the fee is a one-time charge rather than annual, and does not apply to existing visa holders, reducing but not eliminating the burden on employers and workers.
• Presidential proclamation restricts H-1B nonimmigrant worker entry unless accompanied by $100,000 payment — President issued Proclamation 10973 restricting entry of H-1B specialty occupation workers into the United States for 12 months, effective September 21, 2025, unless petitions are accompanied by a $100,000 payment. The proclamation cites systemic abuse of the H-1B program to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, particularly in IT and STEM fields. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant exemptions if hiring is deemed in the national interest. The proclamation also directs the Secretary of Labor to initiate rulemaking to revise prevailing wage levels and the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize admission of high-skilled, high-paid aliens.
• Trump imposed $100,000 charge for H-1B visas with discretionary discounts — Trump's administration implemented a new $100,000 charge for H-1B visas while also granting the administration authority to offer $100,000 discounts to any person, company, or industry at its discretion. Economist Justin Wolfers characterized this as replacing rules with arbitrary discretion, noting that Trump's direct power over H-1B visas gives him leverage over tech, higher education, and other sectors similar to his leverage over media through FCC regulation.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces Larry Ellison as preferred buyer for TikTok's U.S. operations — President Trump announced that Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder, would be among a consortium of American billionaires permitted to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations. The consortium also includes Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Ellison will gain access to data on the political views, consumption habits, and social connections of tens of millions of American TikTok users. The deal is required under a law passed by Congress and signed by President Biden.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approved UAE AI chip deal and crypto investment — The White House approved an agreement allowing the United Arab Emirates to acquire hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips and a separate $2 billion investment from the UAE into the Trump family's crypto company, World Liberty Financial. While there is no evidence the deals were made in exchange for each other, they appear to show Trump personally benefiting from them and raise questions about public corruption.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated Federal Reserve should listen to him — When asked whether the Federal Reserve is an independent body, Trump responded: "It should be, but I think they should listen to smart people like me."

Supporting reports

• Soybean farmers reported zero sales to China due to retaliatory tariffs — Caleb Ragland, President of the Soybean Farmers Association, stated on NewsNation that soybean farmers have zero sales to China for the current crop due to retaliatory tariffs. He stated: "We depend on the Chinese market. And right now we have 0 sold for this crop. It's a 5 alarm fire for our industry. We are not price competitive with Brazil due to the retaliatory tariffs. Our prices are about 20% higher."
• Trump administration crushes farm economy through tariffs and policy — Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a corn farmer, reported that the Trump administration's policies are putting farmers out of business. A company will no longer make high fructose corn syrup due to false MAHA claims. Tariffs on fertilizer and farm equipment are driving up costs. Farmers cannot sell food overseas because of tariffs. RFK Jr. has declared war on corn. USAID, which previously purchased food for sale abroad, no longer exists. Grassley noted that farmers, who vote overwhelmingly for Trump, are receiving no relief.

Supporting reports

• Texas enacts Senate Bill 17 restricting property purchases by Chinese, Iranian, Russian, and North Korean nationals — Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 into law, prohibiting nationals from China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from purchasing most types of real estate in the state. The law permits limited exemptions for those with lawful status and US residency, such as primary residence purchases, but bars additional property acquisitions including commercial buildings, farmland, and rental homes. The measure was justified on national security grounds despite evidence to the contrary. Legal challenges have been filed arguing the law violates the Fair Housing Act and the Constitution's protections against national-origin discrimination.